by Dr. Wendy (OB/Gyn)

Question

How does Essure work and when is it effective?

Answer

Essure is not immediately effective and works by causing scar tissue to grow over the micro inserts over time, blocking the fallopian tubes.

Three months after the device is placed, a hysterosalpingogram (dye test of the fallopian tubes) is done to prove that the tubes are blocked before allowing the patient to have unprotected sex. (An alternate birth control method must be used for three months).

The procedure takes about 35 minutes, can be done in the office or ambulatory surgery center, is non hormonal and well tolerated, and has few risks and complications.

Insertion should be done in the first half of the cycle, before ovulation, to decrease the chance that undiagnosed pregnancy has occurred and to increase the visualization of the tubal openings (in the latter half of the cycle the lining may be too thick, making visualization of the tubal openings harder), and it should not be done during menses. In some patients (14% in one study) micro inserts were unable to be placed.

Patients go home from the office or from the ambulatory care center and can go back to work in 24 hours.

Wendy Fried, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is an OB/Gyn with Northern Obstetrics and Gynecology, PC in North Hills, New York

Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Only your own physician knows all the important details of your specific medical and personal history and should be the only one to give you advice regarding your own medical care. You should never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice or treatment because of something you have read herein. If you have any questions whatsoever about your medical health or believe you have a medical problem or disease, you should contact your medical doctor or healthcare provider.