How Essure Works

Women who have finished their family plans or have no intention of bearing children often consider permanent forms of birth control, such as Essure sterilization. Essure is a safe, effective, and permanent method of female sterilization that doesn’t require invasive surgery or hormone use. If you are seeking permanent birth control, consider Essure in Houston.

Placing Essure Inserts

Essure inserts are placed by a gynecologist into the fallopian tubes; here they will help form a natural barrier that blocks sperm from fertilizing the eggs, preventing pregnancy. The Essure inserts are thin, flexible devices designed to conform to your body yet remain securely in place. These inserts do not contain hormones and are made of a nickel-titanium alloy—the same material that has been safely used in heart stents and other implantable medical devices for decades. Your gynecologist will use a special device to guide these inserts to the fallopian tubes through the natural pathways of the vagina and cervix, so incisions and general anesthesia are not necessary.

Forming a Natural Barrier

Over the next three months, scar tissue will gradually form around the inserts and create a natural barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the eggs. The ovaries will continue to release eggs, and until the barrier is fully formed, you must use an alternate form of birth control to prevent pregnancy during these months.

Confirming Results

After three months, your women’s healthcare provider will perform the Essure Confirmation Test to confirm sterilization. A contrast dye will be placed in the uterus and then the area will be x-rayed. Your gynecologist will examine this x-ray image to verify that the inserts are in place and the fallopian tubes are fully blocked. Once Essure sterilization is confirmed through this test, you can then rely on Essure to prevent pregnancy without any additional birth control methods. Essure is a low-risk, effective option for permanent sterilization that gives you peace of mind and freedom from the inconvenience of other forms of birth control.