Essure vs. Tubal Ligation

Tubal Ligation

	Essure	Tubal Ligation
How is the procedure performed?	A soft, small insert is inserted through the vagina and uterus and placed into each fallopian tube. Over the next three months, the body forms a natural barrier around the insert so sperm cannot reach the egg.	Usually performed as a laparoscopic procedure under general anasthesia. Gas is used to expand the abdomen so surgical tools can be inserted. The fallopian tubes are blocked by one of these methods: Clamping with metal clips or plastic rings Cutting away a section of the tube Burning a portion of the tube The clamps, rings or clips remain in the body. Stitches or staples are used to close the cuts.
Effectiveness	99.95% at 1 year 99.83% at 5 years	98.45% at 1 year 98.69% at 5 years 98.15% at 10 years
Where is the procedure performed?	In an office	In a hospital
Recovery time	Less than a day	4-6 days
Post-procedure pain/discomfort	Cramps Discharge	Cramps Discharge Pain at the wound Bloated abdomen and/or sharp pains in the neck or shoulder (due to gas used) Bruising around the wound Feeling tired and achy
Confirmation	Yes. Essure is the only method of birth control for women that has a confirmation test 3 months after the procedure to confirm both placement of the inserts and that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked.	No

Method	How is the procedure performed?
Tubal Ligation	Usually performed as a laparoscopic procedure under general anasthesia. Gas is used to expand the abdomen so surgical tools can be inserted. The fallopian tubes are blocked by one of these methods: Clamping with metal clips or plastic rings Cutting awsay a section of the tube Burning a portion of the tube The clamps, rings or clips remain in the body. Stitches or staples are used to close the cuts.
Essure	A soft, small insert is inserted through the vagina and uterus and placed into each fallopian tube. Over the next three months, the body forms a natural barrier around the insert so sperm cannot reach the egg

Method

How is the procedure performed?

Tubal Ligation

Usually performed as a laparoscopic procedure under general anasthesia. Gas is used to expand the abdomen so surgical tools can be inserted. The fallopian tubes are blocked by one of these methods:

Clamping with metal clips or plastic rings

Cutting awsay a section of the tube

Burning a portion of the tube

The clamps, rings or clips remain in the body.
Stitches or staples are used to close the cuts.

Essure

A soft, small insert is inserted through the vagina and uterus and placed into each fallopian tube.

Over the next three months, the body forms a natural barrier around the insert so sperm cannot reach the egg

Method	Effectiveness
Tubal Ligation	98.45% at 1 year 98.69% at 5 years 98.15% at 10 years
Essure	99.95% at 1 year 99.8% at 4 years

Method	Where Performed?
Tubal Ligation	In hospital
Essure	In office

Method	Recovery Time
Tubal Ligation	4-6 days
Essure	1-2 days or sooner

Method	Post-Procedure Pain/Discomfort
Tubal Ligation	Cramps Discharge Pain at the wound Bloated abdomen and/or sharp pains in the neck or shoulder (due to gas used) Bruising around the wound Feeling tired and achy
Essure	Cramps Discharge

Method	Confirmation
Tubal Ligation	No
Essure	Yes. Essure is the only method of birth control for women that has a confirmation test 3 months after the procedure to confirm both placement of the inserts and that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked.

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How is the procedure performed? compare to Essure	Effectiveness compare to Essure	Where is the procedure performed? compare to Essure
Recovery time compare to Essure	Post-procedure pain/discomfort compare to Essure	Confirmation compare to Essure