The procedure can be performed in your doctor's office without general anesthesia .

During the first 3 months following the procedure, your body and the micro-inserts work together to form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. During this period, you will need to use another form of birth control.

After 3 months, your doctor will perform an Essure Confirmation Test, a special type of x-ray to confirm that your tubes are completely blocked and you can rely on the Essure micro-inserts for birth control.

Unlike birth control pills, patches, rings, and some forms of IUDs, Essure does not contain hormones to interfere with your natural menstrual cycle. Your periods should more or less continue in their natural state.

Benefits of the Essure procedure

Effective
The Essure procedure is 99.80% effective based on 4 years
of follow-up. Essure is the first and only FDA approved method of female sterilization. There were zero pregnancies in the clinical trials.

No incisions. No burning.
The Essure micro-inserts are passed through the body's natural pathways and inserted into the fallopian tubes. Unlike other forms of tubal sterilization, there is no cutting into the body, burning, or destruction of the fallopian tubes.

Quick recovery
The Essure procedure takes very little time out of women's busy lives and most women return to their normal activities within one day.

No general anesthesia required
There are risks and side effects associated with general anesthesia. Although some physicians may offer general anesthesia, this is not a requirement of the procedure. You should discuss your anesthesia options with your Essure physician.

Short procedure time
The Essure procedure only takes about 35 minutes for an Essure trained physician to perform. Most women are on their way in an average of 45 minutes.

No hormones or silicone
Unlike many temporary methods of birth control such as birth control pills, the patch, the ring or some IUDs, the Essure micro-inserts do not contain silicone or release hormones and are made with the same kind of safe materials that have been used in other medical devices (such as heart stents and valves) for many years. 

Because there is no cutting or general anesthesia required the Essure procedure can be performed safely and comfortably in a doctor's office.

Covered by insurance 
The Essure procedure is covered by most health insurance plans. Check with your health insurance company to see if the Essure procedure is covered for you.

Risks of the Essure procedure

• Perforation, expulsion, or other unsatisfactory location of the micro-insert
• Pregnancy & theoretical increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Risks associated with anesthesia
• Pain, cramping, vaginal bleeding, menstrual pattern changes
• Nausea/vomiting, or fainting

As with all procedures, there are risks associated with the Essure procedure.

Is Essure right for me?

The Essure procedure can be the right choice of sterilization for you if you are sure you don't want to have any children in the future and any of these statements apply to you or describe you:

• My partner does not want to have a vasectomy and I am tired of waiting
• I don't want surgery that involves incisions which would result in a recovery that takes days out of my busy schedule
• I want a birth control that is permanent because I want spontaneity in my sexual relationship
• I don't want to have to remember to take or use temporary methods of birth control
• I want a birth control that doesn't contain hormones
• I don't want to worry about an unexpected pregnancy
• I want a birth control that does not leave scars
• My doctor has told me that I am not a candidate for a traditional tubal ligation
• I am overweight or very thin and surgery is risky for me
• I have a chronic disease or condition and I should not take an unnecessary risk
• I have had an endometrial ablation and should not risk pregnancy
• I have been on temporary birth control for an extended period of time and I'm concerned about the long term effects of hormones on my body
• I am concerned about the risks of general anesthesia