Essure
Updated:Essure is a permanent form of birth control for women that was available from 2002 to 2018. It involved the insertion of small, flexible coils into the fallopian tubes, which over time caused scar tissue to form, blocking the tubes and preventing eggs from reaching the uterus. This non-surgical sterilization method was designed as an alternative to tubal ligation.
Additional Information
The Essure procedure was performed in a doctor's office without general anesthesia. It typically took about 10 minutes, with a three-month follow-up to confirm that the fallopian tubes were fully blocked. While initially popular due to its non-surgical nature, Essure was discontinued in 2018 following reports of complications and side effects in some women.
It's important to note that while Essure is no longer available for new patients, women who have the device and are not experiencing issues can continue to use it for contraception. However, those experiencing complications should consult their healthcare provider about potential removal options.
Examples
Sarah chose Essure as her permanent birth control method because she didn't want to undergo surgery for tubal ligation.
After experiencing side effects from her Essure implant, Maria consulted her doctor about having the device removed and exploring alternative contraception options.