Questions and Answers

Q: What is the Essure procedure?
A: A form of permanent birth control through bilateral occlusion of the fallopian tubes.

Q: What are the benefits of the Essure procedure?
A: The procedure can be performed in the clinic setting or same day surgery center and has no incision, contains no hormones, is an effective form of sterilization, provides a high level of patient satisfaction, offers a rapid recovery, and has a low adverse side effect rate.

Q: Is a consultation with the provider who will do the Essure procedure required?
A: Providers, who will be doing the procedure, will want to meet and discuss the procedure with you prior to it being scheduled to review medical histories and to determine appropriateness for the Essure procedure. Consultations can be scheduled through the Appointment Center at 952-967-7619.

Q: What does the procedure involve?
A: Soft pliable nickel coil microinserts are inserted through the vagina, cervix and uterus into the fallopian tubes using a hysteroscope to guide the devices into place. Warmed saline flows through the scope to ease passage of the microinserts and to distend the uterus.

Q: Do most insurance providers cover the procedure?
A: Most insurance plans have coverage for the procedure. You should check with your plan directly for your specific level of coverage.

Q: Is the Essure procedure reversible?
A: No, the procedure should be considered irreversible.

Q: On average, how long will I be in the clinic or in the day surgery area for the Essure procedure?
A: You should be prepared to spend about 2 hours in the OB/GYN clinic. In a day surgery center, you will usually be there for 3 hours.

Q: Are there restrictions following the procedure or the need for medication?
A: You will need someone to drive you home following the procedure due to the administration of pain medication. You can resume normal activities and follow you physicians recommendations for medication use. A small amount of bleeding may occur for 2-3 days after the procedure, and is not a concern. Avoid sexual intercourse and/or douching until bleeding has stopped.

Q: Are there any contraindications for the Essure procedure?
A:

• If you are unsure about ending your reproductive years you should not undergo the Essure procedure.
• If Essure coils cannot be placed in both fallopian tubes due to anatomical reasons.
• If a you have previously undergone a tubal ligation.
• Pregnancy.
• Termination of a pregnancy or delivery of an infant less than 6 weeks before placement.
• Known allergy to nickel or contrast media.

Q: Is there an additional online Essure resource for provider questions or discussion?
A: Yes. There is a manufacturer sponsored website that can be accessed at www.essuremd.com.