In a recent study comparing three different surgical contraceptive methods, patients who underwent the Essure sterilization procedure were found most likely to undergo additional surgery post-sterilization. Essure is a permanent birth control procedure in which a health care provider inserts coils into the woman’s fallopian tubes. Over a three month period, tissue forms around the coils creating a barrier that keeps the sperm from reaching the eggs, therefore preventing conception.
Using data from 16,272 sterilization procedures, the study from the Finnish Sterilization Register linked with information obtained from Induced Abortion and Medical Birth Registers analyzed the safety and efficacy of three common sterilization methods including laparoscopic clipping, Pomeroy procedures via laparotomy (tubal ligation) and hysteroscopic Essure. The study found that, while the risk of pregnancy following sterilization was highest in the tubal ligation group, the Essure group was significantly more likely to undergo re-sterilization, hysteroscopies and additional surgeries.
A similar study was recently conducted in France using the national hospital discharge database linked to the health insurance claims database. This study compared women aged 30 to 54 receiving either Essure or laparoscopic sterilization between 2010 and 2014. This study likewise found that the use of hysteroscopy sterilization (Essure) was significantly associated with a higher risk of gynecological complications over 1 years and over 3 years than laparoscopic sterilization.
Since Essure was first introduced into the market in 2002, women began experiencing substantial injuries and complications from the procedure including, but not limited to, pelvic pain, migration of the device, perforation or tear of pelvic organs, migraines, allergic reactions, ectopic pregnancy, and additional surgeries. Essure was advertised and promoted as a non-surgical alternative to tubal ligation. However, thousands of women have had to undergo additional surgeries including hysterectomy, hysteroscopy and removal of fallopian tubes, after experiencing complications from Essure. Women continue to choose Essure to avoid a more invasive surgery, which makes the results of these studies so significant.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for general information purposes and does not constitute either medical or legal advice, nor does it imply an attorney-client relationship or contract with Wexler Wallace. Any and all medical decisions should be discussed with your doctor.
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