Patient Services: Essure®

What is Essure® and how does it work?

Essure® is a permanent and irreversible form of birth control and is a method of sterilization. Unlike other methods of sterilization, Essure® does not require making an incision or using radiofrequency energy to burn the fallopian tubes.

How does Essure® work?

An Essure® trained doctor inserts soft, flexible inserts through the body's natural pathways. Going through the vagina, cervix and uterus to place the inserts eliminates the need to cut into the body. The inserts are placed into the fallopian tubes and over a period of three months following the procedure, your body and the inserts work together to form a natural barrier that prevents sperm from reaching an egg. During this three month period, you must continue using another form of birth control (other than an IUD).

After three months, you will need to get an Essure® Confirmation Test (hysterosalpingogram, HSG) to verify you're protected from the worries of unplanned pregnancy. This test consists of a simple x-ray so the doctor can visually confirm that the inserts have been correctly placed and fluid cannot flow past them. You will need to continue to use another method of birth control until you receive confirmation directly from your doctor. Feel free to watch this video about the procedure as well as the Essure® Confirmation Test, or visit www.essure.com for additional information.

How effective is this method?

Based on a four-year clinical trial, Essure® is 99.8 percent effective with zero pregnancies. Remember, you must wait three months and have the Essure® Confirmation Test and confirmation from your doctor before relying solely on Essure® to prevent pregnancy.

What are the advantages of using this method?

• No burning of tissue
• Minimal anesthesia
• No hormones
• No slowing down to recover
• The inserts are placed in less than 10 minutes
• Can usually be performed in the office
• Your doctor can easily confirm when you can rely on Essure® for birth control

What are the disadvantages of using this method?

• Not all women will achieve successful placement of both inserts
• Side effects during or immediately after the procedure may include mild to moderate cramping, nausea/vomiting, dizziness/light-headedness, and bleeding/spotting

Planned Parenthood of Indiana is currently offering Essure® at our Indianapolis Georgetown at 86th location. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment, please contact PPIN at (317) 872-3115.

Birth Control Methods