Contraception Essure FAQ NYC | ParkmedGyn.com
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Is it effective?
The Essure procedure is the most effective form of permanent birthcontrol available. Essure is 99.74% effective with zero pregnancies
based on 5 years of follow-up.
Is the Essure procedure new?
The Essure procedure was FDA approved in 2002 and is trusted by
hundreds of thousands of women and doctors worldwide.
How do women rate the procedure
In clinical testing involving about 700 women, almost all women
rated their comfort with the Essure procedure as “good” to
“excellent” within one week. After the first week, almost all women
rated their satisfaction with the Essure procedure as “good” to
“excellent.”
Is the procedure painful?
Generally, no. Some women report mild discomfort or cramping,
similar to a normal monthly cycle during or after the procedure.
What are the inserts made of?
The inserts are made from materials that have been used in the heart
and other areas of the human body (e.g., heart valve replacements,
blood vessel grafts, and abdominal repair) for many years. The
inserts do not contain silicone.
Do the inserts contain nickel?
There is a very, very small amount of nickel in the Essure insert;
in fact, the amount released from the inserts on a daily basis is
only 0.14µg/day, which is 1000x less than the amount of nickel that
is consumed during the daily food intake. In the Essure clinical
trials, no adverse reactions to nickel were reported. If you have
questions about a possible nickel allergy, speak with your doctor.
Is it reversible?
The procedure is permanent and cannot be reversed. It is only meant
to be used by women who are sure their family is complete.
Reversal may require surgery and there is no data on the safety and
effectiveness of reversal.
Is it safe?
Yes, Essure has been trusted by hundreds of thousands of women and
doctors for over five years. The Essure procedure avoids the risks
and discomfort of surgical procedures like tubal ligation and
vasectomy. Additionally, the silicone-free inserts are made from
materials that have been used successfully for many years in cardiac
stents and other medical devices that are placed in the body.
How long does the procedure take?
In clinical testing, the average time to place an insert into both
fallopian tubes was less than 10 minutes and the total procedure
time was about 35 minutes.
When does it start working?
During the first 3 months following the procedure, your body and the
inserts work together to form a natural barrier that prevents sperm
from reaching the egg. You will need to use another form of birth
control during this time. After 3 months, your doctor will perform
an Essure Confirmation Test to confirm both that the inserts have
been correctly placed and that your tubes are completely blocked so
you can rely on the Essure inserts for birth control.
How long before I can resume regular physical activities?
In the Essure Pivotal Trial, women were typically able to leave the
facility within 45 minutes after the procedure and almost all
working women resumed work in 24 hours or less after the day of the
procedure. Most women returned to normal activities the same day as
the procedure.
Is it covered by my insurance?
The Essure procedure is covered by most health insurance. If the
Essure procedure is performed in a doctor’s office, depending on
your specific insurance plan, payment may be as low as a simple co-
pay.
Following the Essure procedure
What happens to my eggs?
After an Essure procedure your ovaries will continue to produce
eggs, which will be absorbed by your body.
Will my periods change after the Essure procedure?
Some women find that their period changes afterward, becoming
slightly lighter or heavier. These changes may be the result of
discontinuing hormone-based birth control and returning to your
natural cycle.
Does it result in menopause?
No. The Essure inserts do not cause menopause.
Could the Essure procedure cause me to gain weight?
Since Essure does not contain hormones, it should not cause weight
gain.
