What is Essure and Is It Right For Me?

Are you looking for an alternative to traditional forms of birth control, like pills and implants? Maybe you’re thinking about using a hormone free birth control? Have you completed childbearing? If so, you may be an ideal candidate for Essure, a permanent birth control procedure offered at The Sholes Center.

What is Essure?

Essure is a minimally invasive, incision-free procedure that works with your body to create a natural barrier against pregnancy. This in-office procedure has a very short recovery time and is FDA approved. No more pills, implants, IUD’s, or whatever else you’ve been depending on. With Essure, you can get rid of the hormones and not worry about being tied to a schedule or timeline that goes along with other forms of birth control. Sound pretty good? Great, but let’s hold on just a second. There are just a few things you should know…

How does it work?

During this short procedure, your doctor places soft, flexible micro inserts into the fallopian tubes. The inserts are delivered through the vagina and cervix, so no incisions are needed. These micro inserts are made from materials that have been used in medical devices for years and do not contain hormones. In the weeks following the procedure, a natural barrier is formed around the micro inserts, preventing sperm from reaching the eggs. After three months, a gentle Essure confirmation test is performed to ensure that you are protected from an unplanned pregnancy. A special dye that shows up on X-rays is introduced into the uterus, allowing your doctor to confirm that the tubes are blocked and that Essure is working properly. There are some additional things things you can expect with Essure and you can watch a short video about the procedure here.

Permanent birth control

While Essure is a simple and convenient procedure, it is important to know that this procedure is non-reversible. You should be absolutely sure that you are done having kids before having this procedure. If not, there are several other birth control options you can consider before committing to Essure. This can be a big decision for many women, so be sure to talk it over with your spouse and weigh all of your options before making any decisions. It’s also very important to talk with your doctor about your options.

No Hormones

Essure is a hormone free birth control procedure, so you don’t have to worry about the side effects that come with come with other birth control options. This procedure is FDA approved and is widely used here in the US, so you can rest assured that Essure is a very safe and common procedure. It is also covered by many health insurance plans, so chances are you won’t be breaking the bank with Essure.

If you are considering a NovaSure Endometrial Ablation, Essure can be performed at the same time. If you suffer from heavy periods and terrible PMS symptoms and are also looking for a permanent birth control solution, this may be a good course of action for you. These procedures can go hand in hand, but always be sure to talk with your doctor about what options are available to you.

So, is this permanent birth control procedure right for you? If you are in Athens, GA or the northeast Georgia area, Dr. Sholes and the staff here at the Sholes Center would love to talk with you about it. There is certainly a lot to consider with Essure, and we at the Sholes Center would be happy to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call at 706-286-8692, contact us, or schedule an appointment to learn more about what Essure is and if you are a viable candidate.