Essure

Permanent transcervical sterilization is a personal and individual choice. There are several valid reasons for choosing this option. One woman may decide she does not want more children, another may decide she does not want any children. There are also several valid sterilization options. Isis OB/GYN, Alpharetta Essure specialists, will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, and we think you'll come to the conclusion we've reached: Essure method, approved by the FDA in 2002, is preferable for several reasons.

No incision through the abdomen is required, reducing the chance of infection, bleeding or damage to other organs, as well as scarring. Isis OB/GYN, Alpharetta Essure health care providers, using a hysteroscopy to view the uterus and fallopian tubes, will place the small, soft inserts inside your fallopian tubes. The silicone-free inserts are held in place with a tiny coil made of the same polyester fiber, stainless steel and nickel titanium alloy used in heart stents. The polyethylene fibers create a benign fibrotic reaction that encourages tissue growth in and around the insert. In about three months, an occlusion or blockage forms, preventing sperm from contact with egg.

Because Essure is hormone free, it does not affect your menstrual cycle. The three-month follow-up test is fairly simple. A special dye is injected, and, using sonohystogram or ultrasound, your doctor or medical provider confirms that the tubes are fully blocked and inserts are correctly placed. At this point, other forms of birth control can be discontinued.

Essure – Alpharetta Gynecologist

Essure is cost effective, and most insurance companies cover the procedure. Its size and shape is comfortable and insertion takes about ten minutes. Essure is hormone-free, unlike birth control pills. Because it is a non-surgical procedure, no anesthesia is required, as in tubal ligation, which may not be an option because of internal abdominal scarring or other health problems.

Other points to consider are that Essure is non-reversible and 99.8% effective, much higher than other methods, such as IUDs or birth control pills. It is a non-surgical procedure. General anesthesia is not necessary, but you or your doctor may opt for a local anesthetic. Recovery is quick, most women return to normal activities in less than a day, no significant long-term side effects have been noted and there is less risk and/or discomfort than tubal ligation and vasectomy.

OB/GYN – Johns Creek & Alpharetta

If you are considering the option of Essure, Isis OB/GYN – Johns Creek & Alpharetta welcomes the opportunity to discuss the advantages and disadvantages as well as the advisability of the procedure, based on your individual health care needs.