Essure & Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization. Unlike vasectomy, the Essure procedure is a sterilization method for women and does not involve cutting. The chart below compares the benefits and risks of vasectomy and the Essure procedure.

Essure

Vasectomy
Who has the procedure?
Women Men
How effective is the procedure?
99.80% 99.85%

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 vasectomy:

1) A small incision is made in the scrotum

2) A small puncture is made in the scrotum

In both methods the vas deferens are sealed, tied, cut, blocked with clips, or burned.

How long does the procedure take?
The average procedure time is 35 minutes.

 The average procedure time is 20 to 30 minutes.
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 vasectomy, and one follow-up visit at 3 months to make sure that the vasectomy was effective.

How is pain or discomfort typically controlled during the procedure?
Local anesthesia and/or intravenous sedation. Local or 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 one week after surgery, you may resume intercourse, however, an alternative form of contraception must be used until a zero sperm count is demonstrated, which may take several months.
What should I be doing to help the recovery process after the procedure?
  • Rest for 45 minutes (depending on anesthesia) following the procedure before going home.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions to report any unusual pain, bleeding or high fever.
  • Consider having someone to drive you home.
  • Rest for about 30 minutes following surgery
  • Consider having someone to drive you home
  • Apply ice packs to the scrotum and wear supportive underwear to minimize bruising/swelling
  • 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.

Typically, within 2 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 (related to anesthesia)
  • Swelling and bruising
  • A dull ache in the testicles
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

  • Pregnancy may occur several years after undergoing the procedure
  • No method of birth control is 100% effective
  • Bruising on the scrotum

  • Infection of the incision/puncture in the scrotum

  • Pain in testicles
  • Sperm may leak into the surrounding tissue forming small lumps (granulomas)