| |
Essure |
Tubal ligation |
Vasectomy |
|
| Who has the procedure? |
Women |
Women |
Men |
|
| Is it reversible? |
Not expected to be
reversible and data about safety and effectiveness of reversal is not
available. |
Sometimes. Expensive
major surgery required, typically not covered by insurance, and results are not
guaranteed. |
Sometimes. Expensive
major surgery required, typically not covered by insurance, and results are not
guaranteed. |
|
| Is it compatible with
IVF (in-vitro-fertilization)? |
Data about safety and
effectiveness is not available. |
Maybe. IVF is not
typically covered by insurance and results are not guaranteed. |
Not Applicable |
|
| How effective is it? |
more than 99% * |
99.5% [1] + |
99.8% [1] + |
|
| Is it covered by
insurance? |
Yes. Available in
several public hospitals. |
Yes. Available in most
public hospitals. |
Yes. Available in most
public hospitals. |
|
| Is there a cost to me? |
There may be a
"gap" charged by the doctor. |
There may be a
"gap" charged by the doctor. |
There may be a
"gap" charged by the doctor. |
|
| When does it start
working? |
At least a three month
waiting period and after follow-up tests to ensure you are able to rely on it.
Alternative birth control must be used during the entire waiting period. |
You may rely on tubal
ligation for permanent birth control as soon as you recover from the operation. |
About a 2 - 3 month
waiting period is recommended to flush out remaining sperm. One or two
follow-up tests of the ejaculate is necessary before relying on vasectomy. |
|
| Where is it performed? |
Day surgery facility or
hospital |
Hospital full surgical
suite or a day surgery facility |
Day surgery facility or
doctor's office |
|
| Are any incisions made? |
No. Access is through
the vagina and uterus. |
Yes. 1 or 2 punctures
to the abdomen and/or the fallopian tube or full incision similar to a
C-section |
Yes. 1 or 2 incisions
or punctures to the scrotum and/or vas defrens. |
|
| How is it done? |
A catheter is passed
through the uterus to place a micro-insert into the fallopian tube. Tissue
grows through the insert, blocking the tube. |
The fallopian tube is
surgically severed, and the ends are burned, sutured, or clamped. |
The vas deferens is
severed, and the ends are burned, sutured, or clamped. |
|
| What type of anesthesia
is used? |
Typically local
anesthestic and/or IV sedation |
Typically general
anesthesia |
Typically local
anesthetic |
|
| How long does it take? |
About 30 minutes |
About 45 minutes |
About 30 minutes |
|
| Does it leave a scar? |
No |
Yes |
Generally no |
|
| How long after the
procedure can I go home? |
About 45 minutes |
2 - 4 hours |
About 30 minutes |
|
| On average, how long
does it take to return to regular physical activities**? |
1.0 day [*] |
4.4 days [2] |
2 days [1] |
 |
| What should I expect
during recovery? |
Cramping and discomfort
for a few days after the procedure is not uncommon. Bleeding which may be more
or less than your regular menses. |
Post-operative
discomfort can include pain in neck and shoulders, a scratchy throat (if a
breathing tube is used), swelling of the abdomen, nausea, discharge, and mild
cramping. |
Swelling and discomfort
around the scrotum generally lasts for a few days. The man may need to wear an
ice pack on his groin to minimize swelling. |
[*] From clinical trials
sponsored by Conceptus, which are on-going in the follow-up period.
[+] First year effectiveness.
[**] Average days to return to regular physical activities excludes the day of
the procedure. |
