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Essure - Permanent Birth Control
The Essure procedure is a method for permanent birth control (also known as sterilization). It is meant to prevent pregnancy for the rest of your life. This means it is not reversible.
How the Essure procedure works
Delivery catheter
Micro-insert
Blocked tubes
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During the Essure procedure, soft, flexible coils
called “micro-inserts” are passed through the body’s natural pathways (vagina, cervix, and uterus). They are then placed into each fallopian tube.
The micro-inserts are made with materials that
have been used in medical devices for many years.
They do not contain or release hormones.
During the first 3 months following the procedure,
your body and the micro-inserts work together to
form a tissue barrier (like scar tissue) so that sperm
cannot reach the egg. This prevents you from
getting pregnant. You will need to use another
form of birth control during this time.
After 3 months, your doctor will perform a special
type of x-ray test called an HSG. This test will assure
you that your tubes are completely blocked and you
can rely on the Essure micro-inserts for birth control.
X-ray image of the HSG showing that the dye does not go past the micro-inserts.
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Benefits of the Essure procedure
Effective
The Essure procedure is 99.80% effective at preventing pregnancy, based on 4 years of clinical data.
Covered by most insurance plans
Many insurance plans cover the Essure procedure. When you have decided that the Essure procedure is right for you, please review your insurance coverage with your doctor. Confirm your insurance plan benefits before the procedure.
No cutting into the body
The Essure procedure is unlike tubal ligation (“getting your tubes tied”) or vasectomy (sterilization for men). It does not involve cutting or puncturing the body, and does not cut, crush, or burn the fallopian tubes. Because there is no cutting, the Essure procedure does not cause scars.
Rapid recovery
On average, it takes 35 minutes to place the Essure micro-inserts. Most women are able to leave the medical facility 45 minutes after the procedure. Most women returned to normal activities within 1 to 2 days. Almost all women rated their comfort as “good” to “excellent” within 1 week of the procedure.
Can be done in an office setting
The Essure procedure can be performed in the comfort and convenience of a doctor’s office.
Confirmation of placement
A confirmation test is done to check the placement of the Essure micro-inserts. This test confirms that you can rely on the micro-inserts for birth control. Knowing that this has been confirmed often gives women peace of mind.
High patient satisfaction
Women consistently rate their overall satisfaction with the Essure micro-inserts as very high.
Hormone-free
The Essure micro-inserts do not contain or release any hormones.
No general anesthesia required
The Essure procedure can be performed with minimal anesthesia. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
Visit the Essure web site to learn more
CentraCare Clinic physicians who perform the Essure procedure:
CentraCare Clinic - Women & Children
1900 CentraCare Circle
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Obstetrics & Women's Clinic,
Suite 2300
Phone: 320-654-3630
Genetics appointments
Phone: 320-654-3654
Online Appointment Requests:
OB/GYN appointments
Clinic Hours (for scheduled appointments only):
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 noon
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