Permanent Birth Control (Hysteroscopic Sterilization)

For women who have decided not to have another child or do not wish to ever become pregnant, permanent birth control may be of interest.

It is now possible to permanently prevent pregnancy by blocking the fallopian tubes. This hysteroscopic sterilization procedure called Essure may be an appealing alternative to the most commonly used method of sterilization for women: tubal ligation.

The Essure procedure:

• does not require general anesthesia



• takes an average of 15 minutes to perform



• may be done in your physician's office

In addition, there are no incisions with the Essure procedure. Most women report returning to work the next day.

Hysteroscopic sterilization involves inserting a small spring-like device into each fallopian tube using a hysteroscope (a tiny fiber optic camera). This device holds in place white polyester fibers that cause scarring and block the fallopian tubes within 12 weeks.

Like all sterilization methods, this procedure should be considered irreversible.

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