Apr
8
Primum non no cere…First do no harm is the Greek phrase that resonates from the Hippocratic oath every physician recites at graduation from medical school. It drives innovation such as the evolution of minimally invasive procedures.
t may seem like overkill, but until the 1960’s gynecologists often performed hysterectomy for requests for sterilization. Tubal ligation, tying the fallopian tubes, through an open incision then became the norm. Then in the late 1970’s the laparoscope made this possible through “band-aid” surgery. In this decade hysteroscopic sterilization is becoming the preferred procedure. A small scope is placed through the vagina into the uterus, where microinserts are placed blocking each tube. Because Essure hysteroscopic sterilization is free of any incisions it is the safest technique. In addition, since discomfort is limited to mild menstrual cramps, it is increasingly performed without general anesthesia, further reducing risks and undesired side effects, such as nausea.
Tubal ligation is highly effective, but not quite perfect at preventing unplanned pregnancies, which occur in about 1% of women. Essure has been placed in nearly 110,000 women worldwide and the failure rate is approximately 0.15%. So thus far it looks like it might be more effective. Essure does require an x-ray three months afterwards to confirm that the tubes are blocked, reassuring all involved of success.
There are also cost savings for women selecting the familiarity of a doctor’s office for hysteroscopic sterilization, which eliminates operating room expenses and anesthesiologist’s fees. Essure only takes about 15 minutes to perform. Most women return to regular activities the next day. And it is covered by most health insurance plans.
While vasectomy for men may seem like the ideal solution for couples interested in permanent birth control (because he has to do it), Essure is making sterilization for women less risky and less disruptive to their busy lives. Ultimately a woman’s choice should determine where she feels most comfortable having a procedure performed. For some women it’s the outpatient surgery center and for others our office. For more information visit. www.Essure.com or better yet schedule a consultation with your physician.
Wishing you good health!
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Women’s Health Specialists
2299 Mowry Ave. Suite #3C
Fremont, CA 94538
510.796.7057
