I have recently been introduced to scores of women who have had “not so good” experiences with Essure. They reached out to me via social media to share their side of things and for that I am grateful.
While providing the latest and greatest in medical care is part of my calling…..in order for me to most effectively execute this, I have to be in a place to listen. I have heard their stories and am both sympathetic and empathetic to their trials and tribulations.
I have also heard the alternate side, that being of representatives from Bayer, and their “take” on things.
My job is NEVER to sit in judgement, but to receive “the information” and put myself in a position to make “the most” informed decision. And while my experience with the Essure device has been nothing but positive…..the phrase that continued and continues to pop into my mind regarding “all of this” is the following:
Informed Consent.
Part of informed consent is the physician going over, in great detail, what the procedure involves….
For me, that means laying out, step by step, how the procedure is performed, what said procedure is expected to accomplish, risks that are associated with the procedure, which, in most instances, whether it’s major or minor, tends to involve things such as: bleeding, infection, injury to neighboring organs, risk of further surgery, etc., etc., etc., expected benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and what to expect during recovery.
Many of the concerns that I have heard of late regarding Essure cause me to return to the following questions: Was the patient a good candidate for the procedure? Was informed consent truly obtained?
I like the Essure device. It’s quick, easy, I can perform it in my office……it’s minimally invasive, there’s no cutting involved, no general anesthesia requirement, and the vast majority of my patients have done well.
Here are my TOP 5 Things You Need To Know About Essure:
1. HOW IT WORKS!!!!!! Nickel/Titanium coils are inserted into the tubal ostia(where the fallopian tube joins the uterus). The coils cause an inflammatory reaction leading to scarring in the tubes; this creates the tubal occlusion(blockage).
Three months post placement, a procedure called a hysterosalpingogram is performed in radiology….this basically involves shooting some dye into the uterus under imaging to ensure that the fallopian tubes have been blocked. In the time leading up to this procedure, an alternate form of contraception should be utilized.
2. It’s Non-Hormonal! If you’re worried about the effects that hormones may or may not have on your body….THIS IS HORMONE FREE!
3. It’s Minimally invasive!…..these procedures can be performed in an office setting. We do these in my office.
4. While there’s NOTHING, except for abstinence, that is 100% in preventing pregnancy; It’s pretty darn close! Please know, however, if a pregnancy does occur with Essure in place, the chances that it will be ectopic(or outside the uterus) is increased.
5. It’s Permanent!!!!!! If you aren’t 99.9% sure you are done having children, consider something else that is/can be long acting and is reversible….Like an IUD!
Hoping this blog post has added value to your day! I will continue to have an open ear to all that continue to share their voices and concerns.
Until then,
Look Better. Feel Better. Be Better.
Dr. Angela
All of the information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and should not take the place of consulting a physician. Use or receipt of this blog post does not create a doctor/patient relationship between Dr. Angela Jones and you. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a disease. This information does not and should not replace treatment from a medical professional. If you need medical advice or assistance, you should consult a physician. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, DIAL 911. You should not act, nor should you refrain from acting, on the basis of information included in this blog post without first consulting a licensed medical professional.
