How to Use Essure

Essure is a device that offers women a permanent form of birth control. Small metal coils are implanted inside a woman's fallopian tubes. Scar tissue will eventually form around the coils, acting as a barrier that prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. This minor procedure can be performed in a doctor's office because the device can be inserted into a woman's body without the use of general anesthesia or incisions.

Instructions

How to Use Essure

• 1

  Decide if you might one day rethink your decision not to have children. If there is the slightest chance that you may ever want to become pregnant, this option is not for you. Essure is a permanent form of birth control.

• 2

  Make an appointment with your doctor to have the device implanted. During the procedure, you will receive a local anesthesia. Your doctor will then use a narrow instrument called a hysteroscope to place the device inside your fallopian tubes.

• 3

  Use an additional form of birth control for at least three months after the procedure. It will take a while for scar tissue to form inside the fallopian tubes.

• 4

  Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor. Your doctor will X-ray your fallopian tubes to make sure they are completely blocked. If this has occurred, you can stop using additional birth control.