Essure Tubal Sterilization
What is Essure?
Essure is a permanent birth control device that has recently become available as an alternative to traditional tubal ligation methods. The spring-like device is inserted through the uterine cavity into the tubal openings using a hysteroscope. This can be done as an in-office procedure. The device expands to fill the tubal opening and then becomes scarred into place, forming a barrier so that sperm cannot reach the egg. Because of the scar formation, it cannot be pulled out of the tube. It is advertised by the manufacturer as a permanent method of birth control. In this respect, it is similar to other tubal ligation methods that are considered by most doctors to be permanent.
Here is a link to an online video animation of the placement of the Essure device into the fallopian tubes.
Is Tubal Reversal Possible For The Essure Device?
I perform 4 tubal reversal procedures each day at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. The women who come here have all varieties of tubal ligation methods. Today, one of the patients had the Essure sterilization method. When she chose this form of tubal sterilization, she was unaware that she would become remarried and want to be able to try to have a child with her new husband.
Although I could not find any previous references regarding attempts to reverse the Essure procedure, I agreed to attempt to perform a reversal for her. The way I did this was to cut the device out of the uterine muscle and then implant the remaining fallopian tube into the uterine cavity through a new opening in the uterus. This procedure is called tubouterine implantation.
The reason I removed the device was that part of the metal spring projects into the uterine cavity. If a pregnancy were to occur with the device in place, this could be harmful to the pregnancy. To my knowledge, this is the first time that the Essure sterilization procedure has been reversed.
July 14th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I had the procedure done 10-08 it still has not closed one side. Now I have to get a regular tubal ligation. Does anyone else feel like a flutter and have really bad cramps after the Essure procedure?
July 9th, 2009 at 10:14 am
I had the essure procedure done over a year ago. My doctor put one coil in the right tube, but put two coils in my left tube. When I went to see if the tubes were blocked I saw that the two coils are not end to end the bottom one sticks up over the top one. I have been having pain on the left side every since the procedure, some days I have no pain but other days I feel like i’m being stabbed on the left side down in my pelvic area,about 3 months ago when I had my period I passed nothing but clots (big clots like I was having a miscarriage). I went to the doctore they said I was getting older and my periods could be changing (I’m 32). I have also noticed in the last 5 months that right before I start I swell and look like I am about 5 or 6 months pregnant. I’m not sure what to do, do I have the coils removed? Leave them in and deal with the pain? I don’t know what to do, I don’t want anymore kids so I chose to have this done because I have already had three c-sections and didn’t want to be cut on again. Can someone please help me out, should I be concerned with the two coils? please email me at mcmahan@fuse.net. Thank you
July 3rd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
CARLENE – I have responded to you by email. I can remove the Essure implants and perform bilateral salpingectomies at the same time if you wish and if you are unable to find a local doctor who can do this for you.
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
My failed Essure is giving us a new baby this year and now I am faced with having to be re-sterilized. I would like to just have both of my fallopian tubes removed and not have a tubal ligation at the other end of the tube where the Essure is not located. Can this be done at any OB office, or would it be better to have it done somewhere like your office where you specialize in the removal of the Essure micro inserts? I am not willing to continue with the pain and discomfort that has come with this procedure (that also was not disclosed to me when it was done)or the possibility of conception again in the future. I am able to send my records for review if desired. Thank you. Carlene
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:27 pm
PREGNANT!!! I can’t believe all the stuff I am finding out now. My wife was “fixed” in February 2008 In February 2009 we went in for the test to see for 100% blockage. Guess what = 2 doctors said “yep 100% blocked”. She conceived on March 6th with a healthy baby girl due on Thanksgiving day. We have 3 boys and we were done, now we have a girl whom we will love (I already do) very much (Heather). But this is very unexpected. Our doctor assured us this was the best out there, Essure tubal, BS 99.99% successful. Imm not so sure now. So, to answer all the questions above in a nut shell:
1 yes it can be reversed
2 yes you can get pregnant
3 yes you can get pregnant even with it in
4 yes it can be healthy
5 my wife has had terrible cramps ever since installed
6 yes she lost her sex drive at 30
7 still has the occasional bleed
8 yes her boobs hurt all the time.
9 my opinion… look for another method
10 I WANT A REFUND!
MCGLYNN2@LIVE.COM
June 28th, 2009 at 1:29 am
I am scheduled to have Essure done next week and was concerned about side effects. Besides cramping does anyone have any other things to share. I am 100% positive I will never want another child. Even if I later met someone who wants children we would have to end things. I am trying to put my daughter through college and could not imagine what that would be like in another 18 years. I am however scared of the side effects so anyone with any information would really set me at ease. Thanks.
June 25th, 2009 at 1:48 am
CJ- did you get pregnant? hope not. I was reading your case and is similar what is happening to me now. My Essure was done 4/2008. I had heavy periods for the rest of the year and part of 2009. Then suddenly, shorter/lighter periods, only spotting in my last “period” and that was May 5th. Some nausea some mornings. Anyone has something to say? I feel so horrible, don’t mind if another child (4th) comes down the road, but right now is outrageous. Oh my God, I’m so scared to even test.
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
I have a friend who had ESSURE and she bled for 4 months and had horrible cramps. They removed the ESSURE and now she feels better.
June 22nd, 2009 at 6:04 pm
LUCY – Pregnancy is possible after an Essure procedure. Most women have an HSG several months after the Essure device is implanted to ensure that both tubes are blocked. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, run a pregnancy test and if positive report it right away to your doctor. It is possible to get pregnant after the procedure and have a baby.
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I am 35 years old I got the Essure done October 2007. I have been getting little cramps that come and go. My breasts have been hurting for about 2 1/2 weeks all ready. My last period was on may 29, 2009. Is there a chance of pregnancy? Or is this the symptoms you get after the procedure? Has any one gotten pregnant after the procedure and had the baby?
June 17th, 2009 at 9:08 am
I am so pleased to know that this procedure can be reversed. I have had the essure since May 2008 and feel that I may want to have children again. Since I have had essure, I have had spotting in between my periods and cramping, which I did not have prior to having the essure done. Once again, I am glad to know that essure can be reversed.
June 10th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Read the Tubal Reversal Cost page for information on the fee options.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I am interested in the Essure reversal and i would like to know the cost. If someone can give me any information please contact me at pittbullkid6978@aol.com or 570-351-7012 ty stanya
June 9th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
I am 33 years old. I had the Essure done in 2007 and now I am dating a really good guy. This year I’ve been having really bad pains in my one ovary, peeing a lot, my breasts are very sore, I’ve been vomiting and having lower back pains. It sounds likeI am having an ectopic pregnancy. I would love to have a normal pregnancy. My number is 941 592 4163.
May 8th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
CJ – I too had my period every two weeks, I went to the doc for than and they said I was having “mid cycle” periods. Within the MONTH I was pregnant.
May 8th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Hello-
I am pregnant with my coils still in place. Baby implanted correctly and I am 1/2 way through a totally healthy pregnancy. Yes…you can still get pregnant, and Yes…you can have a healthy baby.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Melissa
We reverse the Essure with a procedure called tubal implantation. It has a 25-50% success rate. Please contact us for a free phone consultation if you are interested (919) 968-4656.
April 3rd, 2009 at 6:12 am
MELISSA -
Click on “Cost” under “Practical Issues” on the navigation menu at the top left of the page. It will answer your questions about cost. Either Dr. Monteith or I would be happy to help you reverse the Essure procedure.
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I had the essure procedure done at the time I was married and we had three children all ready, since then I have become divorced and have met the guy of my dreams, my only worry is that he wants children and I also wouldn’t mind having one more with him. He’s great to my kids. I really want the reversal procedure done. How much is this procedure the range of the costs. I really want to go through with this. Its disappointing that everyone around us are able to have children and they are not even wanting that, and someone like myself I am 28 years old and at a stage in my life that I really want this. Can anyone help me out.
April 2nd, 2009 at 7:48 am
As long as the pregnancy is in the uterus then it should be successful.
April 2nd, 2009 at 6:28 am
I had the Essure done a year ago and just found out I am pregnant! I am okay with this and so is my husband since we had planned to not have more and this happened all on its own. What is the percentage of women with this device that have actually become pregnant while with the device? Anyone know the possibilities of success? Just wondering. We are okay either way, but now that the baby is there it will be a sad loss if unsuccessful.
March 27th, 2009 at 9:00 am
I was just wondering if anyone knows for sure the chances of someone getting pregnant after the procedure. I DO NOT want any more children. I’m 25 and just had my fourth child in July. I had the procedure done in August. At first I was having a period every 2 weeks then at the end of Jan they stopped. I’ve since had many many symptoms of pregnancy. I honestly haven’t taken a pregnancy test because I’m afraid of what the results will be. After looking on the Internet I’ve found a few other accounts of people getting pregnant, but none are far enough along to see if it will be a healthy pregnancy. Also, I have had several miscarriages and almost died from hemorrhaging after having my daughter in July. Will this increase my risks of having problems IF I am pregnant?
March 6th, 2009 at 9:25 am
I had the essure procedure in 2006 and I have lost my sex drive completely! I am only 31 and recently remarried. Is there anything that can be done to get my sex drive back? If I had a reversal done would that help?
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:57 pm
It is possible, but not common. Possible reasons could be something else all together or related to the Essure sterilization. We do have patients who have sterilization procedures relate to us they experienced decreased sex drive after their procedures; however, the reasons for this are unclear.
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:49 pm
hi, was curious if anyone that had the essure put in noticed a lower sex drive at all thanks
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I am interested in essure reversal pleas contact me regarding matter
(annaespinola123@yahoo.com) 3526344465
Thank you,
Anna Leary
February 1st, 2009 at 10:57 am
We can reverse Essure with a tubal implantation procedure- we have several of these procedures scheduled for February 2009. The pregnancy rate is 30-50%.
January 31st, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I was wondering if anyone has had a baby after the Essure reversal surgery. I am very interested in the procedure and feel I am a good candidate because I am only 31 and healthy.
January 25th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I have a very good reason for you Marie, the death of your child. My daughter died after she had a tonsilectomy and now I want to have the reversal so my husband and I can have another child together. I just cant find enough data to decide if it is a better option to have a reversal or IVF.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
I am contemplating having the Essure procedure done, as my husband and I are finished having children. Outside of your clients later deciding they want children, what are some of the other reasons woman are having this procedure reversed? I am somewhat uncertain about having the tubes in my tubes with no long term research on it’s affects to the body.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I had this procedure done on June 10, 2008 and I’ve noticed that I now get HORRIBLE cramps. I just figured it was because I was no longer on the pill and regulating my hormones. Anyway – I’m 35 and never really wanted to have kids so I had this done. Of course, now I’ve met a really great guy who is a great daddy – but now I can’t have any. I’m glad to see that there it is possible to have this reversed IF there is ever a need for it.
January 5th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Just remember we had this procedure for a reason, its something to really think about. Wanting to get a reversal just because you meet someone new is not a good choice, that is one of the things they talk to you about before you have the Essure done. There are tons of orphans out there waiting for a family , if you really want another baby think about adopting.
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I had essure done on July 2, 2008. I have been having really bad cramps from the procedure ever since they were put in. I do not want any more children, but do want the implants out NOW!!!! Do I still have to have a tubal implantation? Can I just have them taken out since I do not want anymore children. Please help. Thank you
January 1st, 2009 at 5:59 pm
[...] Some women have blocked fallopian tubes due to an inflammatory condition termed salpingitis isthmica nodosa (SIN). This condition causes tubal scarring and blockage at the proximal or isthmic portion of tube that is adjacent to the uterine wall. The operation to correct proximal tubal occlusion is tubal implantation. Tubal implantation is also used for Essure reversal. [...]
January 1st, 2009 at 2:23 pm
IUI would not lead to pregnancy since the Essure device blocks the tube at the uterus. For pregnancy to occur, the alternatives are either the part of the tube and uterine muscle that has the Essure device scarred with it must be removed and the remaining segment of tube implanted into the uterine cavity (tubal implantation) or ivf.
January 1st, 2009 at 2:02 pm
my husband and I hvae decided that after 2 years of having the essure that we want to concieve another child. We have been looking into IVF but the cost is so high!! My OB/GYN stated that I have a very healthy uterus and cervix but I was wondering could I by pass these procedures by just having an IUI? Is that possible or would I have to resort to reversal or IVF?
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
So has anyone got pregnate after the essure procedure. I had it done about 2 years ago and I am curious about the chance of having a healthy baby. I have not had a period in three months and I have taken a test which said negative. My doctor blammed the lack of periods to weight gain. What else could cause me not to have a period??
November 30th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Mrs. Roberson
You can have your companion go to his primary care doctor and have them order a semen analysis. This way he can have a complete evaluation and if there are any semen problems then they will have his complete medical history and will be in a better position to make a referral or start treatment should there be any sperm abnormalities. Please feel free to fax the results of the semen analysis to us and we can evaluate the report for you.
We do Essure reversals. To reverse Essure, a tubal reimplantation must be done. Dr. Berger has been doing reimplantation procedures for many years to reverse other types of tubal ligations. He has trained me to do them as well. In general, the success rate is about 30-50% in achieving pregnancy.
The Essure procedure has only been out for about five years and we have recently begun performing tubal reimplantation to reverse the Essure sterilization. The number of women seeking Essure reversal is low but is growing every year and we continue to add to our pool of statistics and will publish this information when we get a good and large enough data set so patients can be well informed. In general, tubal reimplantation gives you a 30-50% chance of pregnancy success.
Please feel free to contact our office or me by email with any further questions. Our contact information can be found on our home page.
November 30th, 2008 at 10:53 am
It was a blessing that I found you guys online! My companion and I would like to conceive. He is 42 with no children and I have two from my previous marriage. I never knew that I would fall in love again and want to have another child. I had the Essure process done several years ago and have been very sad about not being able to conceive. Last night we discussed our options and the cost of IVF. I knew there had to be a better and more cost efficient option out there for us! Fortunately, I was correct. We are concerned that he may not have a strong sperm count. Does he need to go to a urologist to find out and will he need to send the results to your office? Or would you send a request to a local lab here for him to get tested? We would like to find out about his sperm count before we proceed with reversal. Second, what has the success rate been for your Essure reversals? I don’t see these results on any of your results pages. I turn 34 on tomorrow and am anxious to get the ball rolling because of the age factors. Thanks Mecola Roberson
November 1st, 2008 at 10:58 am
Im so happy to hear that the essure procedure can be reversed. Im a young mother of two that had the procedure done three years ago.Now Im regreting having the procedure done, an was looking for a way to have another baby later on in my future. i also want to know are ther any known pregnancies after the reversal an also the cost of the procedure.
October 24th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Dear Tabatha,
I will be happy to assist you with scheduling your reversal surgery. You may reach me at the office – 919-968-4656 and by email: JenniferO@tubal-reversal.net
Our fees are explained on our Cost page – see: http://www.tubal-reversal.net/tubal_reversal_fee_financing.htm
I will look forward to hearing from you,
Jennifer Okun, R.N.
Patient Care Coordinator
Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:54 pm
I am so relieved to hear this can be reversed.I already have 3 boys but my boyfriend does not have any and we would love to have 1 together.So I’m just wonder how to go about it.Who do I talk to?How expensive is it?
October 20th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I am also glad to hear that there is a reversal for Essure. Has anyone else had the procedure done that’s 40+ and if so i would love to read about your experience and has any pregnancies happened as a result. I am thinking about having the procedure done myself but i need to be sure. Good Luck to everyone! Remember God answers prayers!
October 12th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
I have been reading for hours and finally found a little bit of positive feed back. Glad to hear I’m not the only one wanting to reverse this procedure. I also am wondering if any pregnancies after the reversal……
September 17th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
are there any reported pregnancies after an Essure reversal??
September 13th, 2008 at 1:09 am
i’m so thankful to know this can be reversed, i recently 1 year ago had this procedure and only have 1 child and have now changed my mind. god bless
April 26th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
[...] Essure is another new tubal sterilization procedure. This does not require surgery, but it is the least reversible method for women wanting kids after tubal ligation. [...]
December 28th, 2007 at 8:15 am
great blog, just added you to google blog reader.
December 5th, 2007 at 7:00 am
I am so excited to hear this. I have been wondering if this could be accomplished. I am interested having this procedure reversed as well. I am in the process of having my paperwork completed by my doctor and hopefully when I submit it, I will be a candidate for reversal as well..
December 2nd, 2007 at 8:24 am
It was quite an exciting day at the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center as the staff watched Dr Berger perform the Essure sterilization tubal reversal.
This truly is another example of how Dr Berger’s experience and devotion to his patients makes all the difference.
Nice work Dr Berger!
November 29th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
This just shows that experience truely matters when you are looking into tubal reversal surgery. Dr. Berger uses his skill, experience and care for his patients to once again perform another successful tubal reversal procedure. Women that have had newer methods of sterilization now have hope if they have changed their minds about wanting more children.