re - Frequently Asked Question
What does it mean to be a certified EAP physician?
A certified Essure Accredited Practice (EAP) physician is committed to providing the utmost in patient care, satisfaction and outcomes. This physician has been successfully evaluated by an independent outside body and has agreed to follow nationally established standards for quality patient care and education. Dr. Sweeten is the first physician in Arizona to receive this accreditation.
EssurE Birth Control System
What is it?
A non-incisional procedure for permanent birth control that is the first alternative to surgical tubal ligation for woman in the United States. The ESSURE procedure should be the first sterilization consideration for all women.
How is it done and how it does it work?
The procedure involves placing a small, flexible plug into each fallopian tube. Once in place, over a 3 month period, body tissue grows into the micro inserts blocking the tubes to prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg.
How long does the procedure take?
Essure takes approximately 30 minutes to perform and you should plan on being at our office for about 2 hours and to also have a driver to take you home after the procedure.
How long will I be off my feet?
Essure recovery is measured in hours and not days – most women can return to their normal activities the same day or the very next day.
What are the micro-inserts made of?
They are made from proven surgical materials that have been well studied and used successfully in long term medical procedures such as heart and other surgeries.
Is essure new?
No. Tens of thousands of Essure procedures have been performed worldwide since 1998. It was approved in the US by the FDA in 2002. It is very effective and more safe than vasectomy.
Is essure effective immediately?
During the first 3 months following the procedure your body and the micro-inserts work together to form a tissue barrier so that sperm cannot reach the egg, preventing you from getting pregnant.You must use an alternate form of birth control for the first three months.
is essure covered by health insurance?
The Essure procedure is covered by most health insurance companies that include sterilization. After your consultation our staff will check your benefits for you. The cost should be the same as a tubal ligation with insurance. Financing is also available.
What are the benefits?
- No incisions are required; therefore there are no scars
- It is performed in the office (tubals are performed in the hospital)
- It is performed with local anesthesia (tubals use general anesthesia)
- Rapid recovery time = 1-2 days (tubal recovery time is 4-5 days)
- It does not contain hormones
- Essure is 99.8% effective after 4 years of follow up
- It is covered by most insurance plans (versus a tubal that is done in the hospital and patients having to pay a hospital deductible)
Does it hurt?
Essure is similar, in approach, to having a pap smear with mild to moderate cramping following the procedure, typically not worse than your normal menstrual cramps.
Will I still have a period?
Yes, there is no disruption of your period unless you combine with an endometrial ablation a procedure designed to reduce or eliminate menstrual cycles in women whose childbearing is complete.
Will my periods change after the Essure procedure?
Unlike tubal ligation resulting in post tubal syndrome, your menstrual cycle will not change overall. Some women do report temporary changes but this is possible with any procedure or surgery you may have.
Does it result in menopause?
No. The Essure microinserts do not cause menopause nor does it affect your hormones.
Are there hormones in the materials?
No. The microinserts are inert and permanent.
What happens to my eggs?
After an Essure procedure your ovaries will continue to produce eggs, which will be absorbed by your body.
Does it cause post tubal syndrome?
While there is significant debate that post tubal syndrome exists it is possible that a tubal ligation may affect ovarian or vascular function presumably interfering with blood supply to the ovary during the procedure. Since ESSURE does not compromise or disrupt blood flow to the ovary or uterus in any way this is a very unlikely consequence.
What is the difference between tubal ligation and the Essure procedure for permanent birth control?
There are many differences. Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia with a 4 to 6 day recovery period. The surgery requires multiple incisions that can have a high potential for injury to internal organs. And after the procedure there is still a 5% to 7% failure rate, menstrual irregularities, and a continued risk for ectopic pregnancy. Essure permanent birth control is an in-office procedure requiring only light, local sedation with a recovery time of normally 24 hours. There are no incisions therefore a very low potential for injury to internal organs. After the procedure there’s less than a 1% failure rate, no menstrual irregularities,and the risk for Ectopic pregnancy is negligible. Essure requires use of a backup contraception for a short period after the procedure.
Is Essure right for me?
The Essure procedure should be the first sterilization consideration for all women.
Key considerations of the Essure procedure are the following:
- The Essure procedure is permanent and not reversible
- Like all methods of birth control, the Essure procedure should not be considered 100% effective
- As with a vasectomy (for a man) you must use another form of birth control for at least three months after the procedure until a follow-up test (HSG) confirms the micro-inserts are correctly placed and your tubes are blocked
- Removal of the Essure micro-inserts would require surgery
