The Essure procedure is a non-incisional alternative to surgical tubal ligation, the leading form of birth control worldwide. While tubal ligation involves abdominal incisions, general anesthesia, four to five days of recovery time, and the risks associated with an incisional procedure, the Essure procedure does not require cutting or penetrating the abdomen. Essure can be performed in an outpatient setting without general anesthesia, and women who have the procedure usually resume regular activities within 24-48 hours after the day of the procedure.
Patients can literally get up minutes after it’s completed and go home’ Permanent birth control. A medical necessity for some. A desirable option for others. Finally, women considering permanent birth control have a new option. It’s called Essure. Unlike standard procedures for women such as tubal ligation – also known as having your tubes tied — and vasectomy for men, there are no incisions or punctures to the body. Essure takes about 35 minutes, does not require general anesthesia, and provides birth control without hormones. Best of all, the procedure causes little or no discomfort. MUSC was among the first facilities in the nation to offer the procedure. Gynecologists at MUSC Women’s Health are performing the first non-incisional surgical alternative to tubal ligation, a procedure that makes permanent birth control a safe and painless option for women, including those who aren’t eligible for tubal ligation. “This is the culmination of 25 years of research,” says MUSC gynecologist James Carter, who, along with Donald Fylstra, M.D., is accomplished in hysteroscopic approaches and is the first in South Carolina trained in the procedure. Hysteroscopy is a procedure where a tubular scope is placed inside the uterus to allow for the placement of a small, flexible device called a micro-insert into each fallopian tube. Once the micro-inserts are in place, scar tissue grows, blocking the fallopian tubes. The woman’s body and the micro-insert work together to form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg, thus preventing pregnancy. Drs. Carter and Fylstra emphasize the benefits of the procedure to the patient. “It’s an extremely effective form of birth control posing minimal or no discomfort to the patient,” says Dr. Fylstra. “Patients receiving the procedure can literally get up minutes after it’s completed and go home.” In international studies of the Essure procedure, 92 percent of working women resumed work in 24 hours or less after the day of the procedure. In fact, many women resumed normal physical activities the same day they had the procedure. After two years of followup studies, indications are the procedure is 98.8 percent effective.
“This procedure expands the number of women who are eligible for permanent contraception,” says Dr. Carter. For example, surgery often poses a risk for women with serious medical conditions or who are severely overweight. The Essure procedure would likely be an option for such women. Developed by Conceptus, Essure was approved last November by the US Food and Drug Administration. Because hysteroscopic procedures require specialized training and equipment regulated by the FDA, MUSC is among few facilities in the nation currently offering the procedure. Self-referrals are welcome. For more information, call MUSC Women‘s Health at 792-1212.
Additional Information and Resources:
 Click here for "Patient Information Booklet"
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For a detailed description of these risks, as well as other risks associated with Essure, we suggest you review the “ Patient Information Booklet”, which is available from this website. BENEFITS | No incisions are required | Can be performed without general anesthesia | | Contains no hormones | | 99.8 percent effective | | Rapid recovery - 1 to 2 days | | Procedure can be done in about 35 minutes |
CONSIDERATIONS | The procedure should be considered
irreversible | Women must use another method of birth
control for at least three months after the
procedure. |
Click here for Essure™ Frequently Asked Questions
Chasque aquí Essure™- Preguntas mas frecuentes
Click here for information on pregnancy rates with other forms of birth control
Click here for information in order to evaluate your options for birth control
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The following table provides information about the permanent birth control methods currently available: Essure, tubal ligation, and vasectomy.
Video Segment on Program:
Click here to view Health Connection segment on Essure
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Learn about a new alternative for permanent birth control. Interview with Dr. James Carter, MUSC Women's Health. Requires RealPlayer in order to view. Information provided by Conceptus Incorporated a leader in the design, development and marketing of innovative medical products for use in the field of women's health.
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