Essure is not right for you if you are uncertain about ending your fertility, can have only one insert placed, suspect you are pregnant or have been pregnant within the past 6 weeks, have had your tubes tied, have an active or recent pelvic infection, or have a known allergy to contrast dye. Continue below
A small Essure insert is permanently placed into each of your fallopian tubes by your doctor. These inserts work with your body to form a natural barrier that keeps sperm from reaching the eggs, preventing pregnancy. While the natural barrier forms over time, another form of birth control must be used.
Do you have health insurance? Find out how to check if Essure is fully covered.
Essure® is permanent birth control that works with your body to create a natural barrier against pregnancy.
Essure is not right for you if you are uncertain about ending your fertility, can have only one insert placed, suspect you are pregnant or have been pregnant within the past 6 weeks, have had your tubes tied, have an active or recent pelvic infection, or have a known allergy to contrast dye.
Tell your doctor if you are taking immunosuppressants or think you may have a nickel allergy.
WARNING: You must continue to use another form of birth control until you have your Essure Confirmation Test (3 months after the procedure) and your doctor tells you that you can rely on Essure for birth control. For some women, it can take longer than three months for Essure to be effective, requiring a repeat confirmation test at 6 months. Talk to your doctor about which method of birth control you should use during this period. Women using an intrauterine device need to switch to another method. If you rely on Essure for birth control before receiving confirmation from your doctor, you are at risk of getting pregnant.
WARNING: Be sure you are done having children before you undergo the Essure procedure. Essure is a permanent method of birth control.
During the procedure: In the original premarketing study, some women experienced mild to moderate pain (9.3%). Your doctor may be unable to place one or both Essure® inserts correctly. In rare cases, part of an Essure insert may break off or it may puncture the fallopian tube requiring surgery to repair. If breakage occurs, your doctor may remove the piece or let it leave your body during your period. Your doctor may recommend a local anesthetic. Ask your doctor about the risks associated with this type of anesthesia.
Immediately following the procedure: In the original premarketing study, some women experienced mild to moderate pain (12.9%) and/or cramping (29.6%), vaginal bleeding (6.8%), and pelvic or back discomfort for a few days. Some women experienced nausea and/or vomiting (10.8%) or fainting. You should arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure. In rare instances, an Essure insert may be expelled from the body.
During the Essure Confirmation Test: As one of the confirmation tests requires an x-ray, you may be exposed to very low levels of radiation, as with most x-rays, if this test is used. In rare instances, women may experience spotting and/or infection.
Long-term Risks: There are reports of chronic pelvic pain in women possibly related to Essure. An Essure insert may migrate into the lower abdomen and pelvis and may require surgery for removal. No birth control method is 100% effective. Women who have Essure are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus) if they get pregnant. This can be life-threatening. The Essure insert is made of materials that include a nickel-titanium alloy. Patients who are allergic to nickel may have an allergic reaction to the inserts. Symptoms include rash, itching and hives.
The safety and effectiveness of Essure has not been established in women under 21 or over 45 years old.
Essure does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Talk to your doctor about Essure and whether it is right for you.
Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for as long as you want for up to 5 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception.
Only you and your healthcare provider can decide if Mirena is right for you. Mirena is recommended for women who have had a child.
Mirena does not protect against HIV or STDs.
Available by prescription only.
For important risk and use information about Mirena, please see the Full Prescribing Information.
Skyla® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years.
Skyla does not protect against HIV or STDs.
Only you and your healthcare provider can decide if Skyla is right for you. Skyla is available by prescription only.
For important risk and use information about Skyla, please see the Full Prescribing Information.
