Tubal ligation was once the only option for permanent sterilization if a woman didn’t want any more children. In recent years, a secondary form of female sterilization has come on the market ─ Essure.

Essure consists of two small coils that block each of the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. An easier process than tubal ligation, Essure popularity grew quickly. Unfortunately, Essure adverse effects are getting a lot of press these days.

The Convenience of Tubal Implants vs. Tubal Ligation

On the surface, it would seem that among the two choices for permanent prevention of pregnancy, Essure would be the better choice simply based on convenience. Tubal ligation requires general anesthesia or an abdominal block known as an epidural.

According to www.wedmd.com, the tubal ligation process is done via making one to two small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon then cuts and often cauterizes the fallopian tubes to block the passage an egg would take to unite with a sperm cell. Another method of blocking this passage is by tying off the tubes, which is why it is often referred to as “getting your tubes tied.”

While tubal ligation is still an outpatient procedure, the time and cost of taking the day off from work, spending two to three hours being administered anesthesia, undergoing surgery, and allowing for surgical recovery from anesthesia is extensive when compared to the ten minutes it takes for Essure coil implantation.

The inconvenience of the tubal ligation process, however, should be weighed against the fact it is immediately effective as a means of birth control. No secondary back-up contraceptive method is needed after surgery, unlike with the Essure device.

After placement of Essure coils, patients must use a secondary contraceptive method for three months while a gradual occlusion of the fallopian tubes occurs due to a build-up of scar tissue. This scar tissue build-up is also what is necessary to secure the coils in place.

It is not until dye is inserted and a radiologist gives confirmation that the tubes are blocked by this scar tissue that the patient can enjoy the convenience and freedom that come with knowing their sexual activity will not likely result in pregnancy.

Essure Adverse Effects

According to www.fda.gov, there are numerous Essure adverse effects that have either shown up in clinical trials or been reported to the federal Food and Drug Administration since Essure gained approval and came on the market in 2002. Among the more serious of these Essure adverse effects are:

• Migration of the coils within the pelvic cavity
• Puncture by the coils of the uterus, fallopian tubes or other pelvic organs
• Ectopic pregnancy

There have been cases in which the Essure implants have actually been lost within the patient’s abdomen, yet the patient continues to experience significant inflammation and pain. In addition, perforation or puncture can lead to serious infection as well.

Essure adverse effects that are less serious, but still considerably troublesome and lifestyle impeding are:

• Headache
• Weight changes
• Hair Loss
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Muscle Weakness
• Joint or Muscle Pain

Since the coils have nickel in them, it is open to question as to whether some of these less serious Essure adverse effects are caused by a systemic allergic reaction to nickel. Since the coils do not produce any hormones, it is likely that there is a correlation, but the ‘jury is still out.’

If you or someone you love has suffered injury or an adverse reaction to their Essure birth control device, you may have cause to file a legal claim.