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Healthy Tips
Contraceptive option when the family is complete
By Kimberly A. Harris, RN, MSN, FNP
This month we’d like to talk with you about a permanent sterilization procedure that is gaining in popularity among women whose families are completed.
The procedure is called Essure, and it is the first non-incisional, permanent, birth control method approved by the FDA. It can be performed in our GYN office without general anesthesia, incisions or stitches.
The benefits
There are multiple benefits associated with this permanent contraceptive option that women in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads, and North Carolina favor over other available alternatives, such as:
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The Essure procedure has a 99.8% pregnancy prevention rate. |
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It is covered by most insurance companies. |
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Procedure time is usually less than 1 hour. |
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General anesthesia is not needed. A mild pain medication and sedative along with some local anesthesia at the cervix are all that is needed to keep patients relaxed and comfortable for the procedure. |
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Because there are no incisions or cuts with this procedure, there is no scarring; recovery is rapid. |
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Most patients are back to their regular routine the day after the procedure. |
The procedure
In this procedure, one “micro-insert” is positioned at the opening of each fallopian tube near the top of the uterus. A “micro-insert” is a soft, flexible coil used for years in the heart and other parts of the body. Once these coils are placed, the body’s tissue grows into them and closes off the fallopian tubes within three months. This prevents a man’s sperm from fertilizing a woman’s egg; therefore a pregnancy cannot take place.
An x-ray called hysterosalpingogram (HSG) will be performed after three months to make certain the “micro-inserts” are in the appropriate location and that the tubes are blocked. At this point, the Essure procedure can be relied on for contraception.
Important considerations
There are some important things to be aware of when considering this method of contraception, which you can discuss with your GYN doctor. Most important, is that the Essure procedure is not reversible. It is permanent, so it is important to be certain your family is complete when choosing Essure. It is also important to know that women do continue to have their period. The ovary still releases an egg with ovulation, but it is blocked from entering the uterus and reabsorbed by the body.
If Essure sounds like the contraceptive option that is right for you, please contact our GYN office (757) 312-8221 to schedule an appointment and discuss it further with one our gynecologists. If it is determined by you and your GYN doctor that this is the right option, our GYN staff will handle the scheduling, in-clinic procedure, and insurance authorizations.
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If you live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads, or North Carolina, and would like to discuss Essure, birth control methods, or permanent sterilization, please contact our GYN office at (757) 312-8221. Our GYN doctors are here to help you.
About our GYN Office
Our three female GYN doctors and Nurse Practitioner provide comprehensive gynecology services to girls and women of all ages, including guidance on Essure, birth control methods, contraceptive options, permanent sterilization, pregnancy prevention, and permanent contraceptive. Our pateints live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Eastern Shore, Peninsula, Hampton Roads, and North Carolina.
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