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Hysteroscopic Sterilization with Essure

 Hysteroscopic Sterilization with Essure 

  What is Essure ?

Essure is a permanent birth control device that is inserted into the Fallopian tubes, blocking it to prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg thereby preventing pregnancy.

 How is the Essure device placed ?

The Essure device is placed through the cervix with the aid of a small scope (hysteroscope). It does not require general anaesthesia, cuts through the skin or overnight hospitalization. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and patients are usually able to return to normal activities within two days of the procedure.

 How does the Essure device work ?

The device is a flexible micro-insert, made from the same materials successfully used in heart surgery for decades. When placed within the Fallopian tubes, the patient’s tissue begins to grow into the micro-insert, permanently blocking the Fallopian tube. This process takes around three months to complete and the patient must continue to use alternative contraceptive during this time.

 How effective is Essure ?

Results from clinical trials show that in over 300 women-years of use, there have been no pregnancies. Two studies were performed with over 700 women who have follow up ranging from one month to over two years.

 Who is Essure suitable for ?

Essure provides women who are seeking permanent birth control with an alternative choice that may have important benefits. Essure is only appropriate if you are sure you don’t want any more children and believe you will not change your mind.

 What are the benefits for Essure ?

No general anesthesia is required Fast recovery On average, patients are able to go home 45 minutes after the procedure Quick The procedure takes about 30 minutes to complete No scars As the procedure does not involve cutting, there are no scars. It is highly rated by women 99% of 143 women who have used Essure for more than a year rated their overall satisfaction as ‘good’ to ‘excellent’.

 Are there risks related to Essure ?

As with all procedures, there are some related risks that have occurred in the clinical studies. Unsatisfactory or non placement. Non placement of the Essure device occurred in about 10% of patients with an additional 4% of patients were found to be unsatisfactory placed. Perforation. Where a small hole in the wall of the Fallopian tube or uterus occurred. Vasovagal response. This is a feeling of nausea, sweating, transient slowness of the heartbeat and drop in blood pressure during the placement procedure. Pain, cramps and bleeding during and after the procedure. Infection. Where is Essure available Essure is currently available in Singapore (KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital) and most capital cities of Australia and will be more widely available by the end of 2002.

For more information on specific locations, please visit the company’s website at http://www.conceptus.com