Essure

How It Works

Essure is a permanent method of birth control intended to be far less invasive than surgical sterilization options. It consists of two metal coils. One is placed in each fallopian tube. Over the next few months, the flesh will grow around the coils, blocking the tubes completely and permanently. Unlike many forms of birth control, there are no hormones involved.

Essure is permanent, and the decision to get it shouldn’t be made lightly. While Essure has been surgically removed in some instances, this was not intended by the manufacturer.

How To Use

Your doctor must insert Essure. Using a catheter with an attached camera, the doctor inserts the devices through the vagina, past the cervix and through the uterus to the fallopian tubes. While it sounds invasive, the procedure takes only 10 minutes. Some women have described it as painful. Pain, cramping, nausea and bleeding have been reported in the days following the procedure.

According to Bayer, who makes Essure, you must use an alternate form of birth control for at least three months once the device has been implanted. This is because it takes months for the fallopian tubes to become closed. After three months, your doctor will confirm that the fallopian tubes are blocked and Essure can be relied on as effective birth control.

Effectiveness

Bayer, citing a five-year study, claims Essure is “over 99% effective.”

Cost

Essure is considered a low-cost form of birth control because it is permanent, and thus does not require routine medical visits or the need to purchase pills or a contraceptive device each month.

Benefits

• Doesn’t require replacement or monthly maintenance
• Permanent
• Non-hormonal
• Does not interfere with sexual activity
• Much less invasive than surgical sterilization

Risks

• Modern pain is possible during the procedure
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases
• Chronic pelvic pain has been reported
• The device can “migrate” outside the fallopian tubes, potentially requiring surgery to correct

In April 2015, the Food and Drug Administration announced it was investigating the safety of Essure. Bayer currently faces several lawsuits from women who claim they were seriously harmed by Essure. The lawsuits allege that the company did not adequately warn women and their doctors about the potential dangers.