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Essure
Permanent Sterilization
No Scalpels, No Anesthesia, No
Hassle:
Essure Permanent Sterilization A New In-Office GYN Procedure
Women seeking a
hassle-free procedure for permanent sterilization that involves no
anesthesia, no scalpel incisions and no additional expense of an
outpatient surgery center now have a new option.
The Essure procedure, unlike tubal ligation (getting the 'tubes tied')
and vasectomy, involves no incisions or anesthesia. There are no
punctures, burning or tying. Although uncommon, complications with tubal
ligation have been life threatening and even caused death.
Instead, Thomas L. Lyons, MD, of the Center for Women's Care &
Reproductive Surgery in Atlanta uses a tiny hysteroscope to pass
micro-inserts through the body's natural pathways (vagina, cervix, and
uterus), and place them into the woman's fallopian tubes
"The Essure procedure is very exciting," said Dr. Lyons, for nearly two
decades a global leader in offering minimally invasive GYN solutions to
women. "Our first device was placed in six minutes and the patient was
entirely comfortable and conversing during the length of the procedure."
"This is a fantastic advance for women's health care, for a woman to
have a short office visit, an effective sterilization procedure and walk
out a few minutes later. I am pleased to offer this as one of several
office based procedures, which are very cost effective for the community
and women's health care in general," said Dr. Lyons.
Dr. Lyons is recognized since 1989 for his development of the
Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy, which leaves the cervix intact
for better sexual function post-surgery.
How the Essure
Procedure Works
During the first three
months following the procedure, the woman's body and the micro-inserts
work together to form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching
the egg. During this period, patients need to use another form of birth
control.
After three months, the doctor performs a special type of x-ray test
called an HSG to confirm that the tubes are completely blocked and the
patient can rely on the Essure micro-inserts for birth control.
Benefits of Essure
Procedure
Based on four years of
follow-up, the Essure procedure is 99.8% effective.
The Essure procedure only takes about 35 minutes, although for Dr.
Lyons, one of the foremost laparoscopic surgeons in the world, the time
may be much less. Most women are on their way in an average of 45
minutes.
After an Essure procedure the ovaries continue to produce eggs, which
are absorbed back into the body. Some women in the clinical studies
reported temporary changes in their periods; however, very few women
reported permanent changes. In addition, the Essure micro-inserts do
not cause menopause, which means patients maintain their natural
hormonal glow.
Unlike many temporary methods of birth control, the Essure micro-inserts
do not contain or release hormones and are made with the same kind of
safe materials that have been used in other medical devices (such as
heart stents and valves) for many years.
The Essure procedure is covered by most health insurance plans.
Is Essure for You?
The Essure procedure can
be the right choice of of sterilization for women who are sure they
don't want to have any children in the future. Often, it is ideal for
women whose partners do not want to have a vasectomy and they're tired
of waiting.
In addition the procedure works for those seeking permanent birth
control to maintain spontaneity in their sexual relationship; who don't
want to remember or take temporary methods of birth control; and who
don't want incisions, which would mean recovery time taking days out of
their busy schedules; or who don't want scars.
Women who want a birth control that doesn't contain
hormones; and who are not candidates for traditional tubal ligations are
good candidates for Essure. Women who have had
endometrial ablation and should not risk pregnancy; or those who are
concerned about the long-term effects of hormones on their bodies are
good candidates for Essure. Those who are overweight or very thin, for
whom surgery is a risk; or women who have a chronic disease or condition
and should not risk anesthesia or surgery are good candidates as well.
One patient described her experience by saying, "The pain was nothing
compared to pregnancy and childbirth, or compared to the failed surgery
of the tubal ligation. It was actually less painful than the 'fitting
and prep; for an IUD (which I had been fitted for at an earlier time).
It was significantly more painful than a pap smear, but very brief and
endurable."
Email the Center for Women's Care
Center for Women's Care &
Reproductive SurgeryŠ 2006
1140 Hammond Drive, Suite
F6230
Atlanta, Georgia 30328.
Copyright 2005
Toll Free 1 (888) 545-0400
Metro Atlanta (770) 352-0037
This page last updated
03/11/2010
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