Essure & Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation (getting your “tubes tied”) differs from the Essure procedure in several ways. Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure for female sterilization. The Essure procedure does not involve cutting, and provides women permanent birth control. The chart below compares the benefits and risks of tubal ligation and the Essure procedure.

Essure

Tubal Ligation See Demo

Who has the procedure?
Women

 Women

How effective is the procedure?
99.80%

99.16%

How is the surgical procedure performed?
A soft, flexible micro-insert is placed into each fallopian tube. The device is routed through the vagina, cervix and uterus using a small scope. There are no incisions, punctures, burning, or tying.

There are two methods of tubal ligation:

1) By laparoscopy: 1-3 incisions are made in the abdomen to reach the fallopian tubes.

2) By laparotomy: Open surgery that requires a larger incision into the abdomen.

In both methods the tubes are then cut, burned or blocked with a clip or a band.

How long does the procedure take?
The average procedure time is 35 minutes. The average procedure time is 30 to 45 minutes for laparoscopic method. It may be longer for open surgery.

How many visits to the doctor does it require,
and what type of follow-up is required?

Three visits. One consultation visit, one visit to place the micro-inserts, and one follow-up visit at 3 months to confirm sterilization.

Three visits. One consultation visit, one visit to perform the tubal ligation, and one follow-up visit at about 2 weeks to check the incisions.

How is pain or discomfort typically controlled during the procedure?
Local anesthesia and/or intravenous sedation are the recommended methods. General anesthesia
Can I rely on it right away?
You may engage in sexual activity immediately following the procedure, however, an alternative method of contraception must be used until tubal blockage is confirmed. Following your physician’s advice and upon recovery, approximately 7 to 10 days after surgery, you may resume intercourse.
What should I be doing to help the recovery process after the procedure?
  • Rest for 45 minutes (depending on type of anesthesia) following the procedure before going home.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions to report any unusual pain, bleeding or high fever.

  • Consider having someone drive you home.

  • Most women are ready to go home 2 to 4 hours after the procedure.
  • Must have someone to drive you home.

  • The incision will need to be kept dry for a few days.

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions to report any unusual pain, bleeding or high fever.

When can I return to regular activities?
Typically, within 1 to 2 days. For tubal ligation by laparoscopy typically within 4 to 6 days. For tubal ligation by laparotomy, typically within 9 to 10 days.

What are the typical temporary effects following the procedure?
  • Cramps (like menstrual cramps)
  • Discharge (like a light menstrual flow or spotting)
  • Mild nausea or vomiting (related to anesthesia)
  • Fainting or light-headedness following the procedure (related to anesthesia)
  • Cramps (like menstrual cramps)
  • Discharge (like a menstrual flow)
  • Mild nausea or vomiting associated with general anesthesia or the procedure
  • Sharp pains in the neck or shoulder
  • Pain in the incision
  • A sore scratchy throat if a breathing tube was used
  • Feeling tired and achy
  • Bloated abdomen
  • Bruising around the incision

What are the major risks of the procedure?
  • No method of birth control is 100% effective.

  • Ectopic pregnancy is more common in women who have had a sterilization, if they become pregnant.

  • It may not be possible to place the micro-inserts in the fallopian tubes during the first placement procedure
    A small percentage of women may not be able to rely on the micro-inserts for birth control.
  • You may become pregnant several years after undergoing the procedure.
  • No method of birth control is 100% effective
  • Ectopic pregnancy is more common in women who have had a sterilization, if they become pregnant.
  • Major complications such as infections, bowel injuries, bleeding, burns, or complications from anesthesia.
  • Other injuries such as damage to the bladder or burns to the bowel may also require additional surgery.
    Other risks such as blood clots and death.

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