Have your heard of the sterilization procedure called Essure? It has been available for about five years now, but the word is still getting around.
Essure is a much easier sterilization procedure than a tubal ligation. Check out how it works —
The FDA approval Essure in 2002, and according to Conceptus, the company that created Essure, over 9,000 physicians have adopted the procedure into their practices and over 400,000 women worldwide have had the procedure.
Benefits include the fact it is performed in an outpatient setting without general anesthesia, takes about 10 minutes, and women usually resume regular activities within one to two days of the day of the procedure.
Sounds like no downsides, right? With not too much digging you can find information on problems women have experienced. Possibly due to the fallopian tube having a spasm, getting the spring device into the fallopian tubes can cause more pain than expected. There may be more cramping and discomfort after the procedure than expected. Unexplained back pain and uncomfortable intercourse has also been reported post procedure.
Some women have complained that docs don’t tell them the straight scoop enough on what to expect regarding the kind pain and discomfort they might have. So if you look into the procedure, be sure to ask the doc about this.
We’ve talked before about docs refusing to do tubal with adult women who are clearly of sound mind to make their own reproductive decisions. I wonder if it is easier to find an Essure trained doc to do this sterilization procedure than the historically traditional tubal ligation?
Anyone know if this is the case? Anyone had the procedure or know someone who has? Pros-cons? When it comes to all birth control methods, information and education are key.
Please share!