The Essure sterilization procedure is a new method of sterilization (preventing pregnancy), where the fallopian tubes are blocked without involving incisions. It is intended to permantly prevent pregnancy, similar to a tubal ligation or vasectomy. This can be preformed in the office or hospital as an outpatient, and return to normal activities the next day.

The Essure procedure is a non-incisional surgical procedure that involves placing a small, flexible device into each of your fallopian tubes (the tubes your eggs travel from your ovaries into the uterus). This is done using a hysteroscope, which looks inside your uterus with a small camera.

Once the micro-inserts are in place, body tissue grows into the micro-inserts, blocking the fallopian tubes, to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg, thereby preventing pregnancy.

The ideal time to place the inserts is 7-10 days after your menstrual cycle begins. You will lie on a treatment table and put your feet in stirrups, just as you do for a pelvic exam. You will be given a mild sedative before the procedure to relax you. If you are in a hospital, the anesthesiologist will administer the medication and place you under light general anesthesia. In the office, we will perform a local anesthesia block to the cervix. A camera will be inserted through the cervix to view the inside of the tubes. You may feel some cramping during the procedure, but it should not be too uncomfortable. This entire procedure should take about 15-30 minutes.

You may have some minor bleeding or spotting and cramping the first few days following the procedure. This is usually controlled by Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin or Aleve). You should be seen in the office 2 weeks following this procedure.

You should schedule an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) 3 months after the procedure to evaluate that the inserts have sealed off the fallopian tubes. Prior to the HSG, you will be asked to use a back-up form of contraception