The Essure birth control device was once thought to be one of the most innovative medical devices for women’s reproductive health. But it has since become a widespread health concern, leading some to wonder if you can get Essure removed.

Thousands of women have alleged they suffered serious complications soon after the Essure device was implanted, which reportedly caused many of them to suffer permanent injuries to their reproductive organs.

The Essure birth control consists of two metal coils that are implanted into each fallopian tube, which eventually spurs growth of scar tissue.

The swelling eventually causes the fallopian tubes to be closed off, which prevents sperm to egg fertilization. The Essure birth control was released in 2002, and quickly became popular as the only non surgical alternative for female sterilization.

Considering the minimally invasive proceeds and quick recovery time, many women opted for the Essure birth control device and had no reason to believe they were at risk for serious complications. However, reports soon started coming in and it became quickly apparent the Essure could cause numerous health problems.

Manufacturer Bay HealthCare recently stopped selling the device at the end of 2018, citing business purposes when making the decision to take the Essure off the market. With news of the Essure being off the market, numerous women may be wondering if they should get Essure removed.

How severe are Essure complications?

The severity of potential side effects ranges from minor pain to ectopic pregnancies, which is when the fetus develops outside the uterus.

Many of these problems reportedly stem from the coils perforated and migrated away from the implant site, and embedded themselves into another part of the abdomen or pelvis. This caused numerous complications including, but not limited to:

• Severe Pelvic Pain
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
• Cramping
• Painful Periods
• Painful Intercourse
• Unplanned Pregnancies
• Allergic Reactions
• Ectopic Pregnancies

These complications can be so bad that is may become necessary to get Essure removed.

What is the process of Essure removal?

Removal of Essure
is a surgical process that can be explained in detail by the patient’s doctor, with several surgical routes up for potential discussion including but not limited to:

• Laparoscopic procedure: Takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and is an outpatient surgery, which gives patients short recovery time. The entire affected fallopian tube is removed, including a piece traveling through the wall of the uterus into the uterine cavity.
• Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy: The only way to ensure that the Essure coils are removed without breaking, but it involves removing the uterus, cervix, and both fallopian tubes. This may be necessary if the Essure coils migrated away from their implant site or broke apart inside the patient.

What is the success rate of Essure removal?

While getting the Essure removed will not guarantee symptom relief, it still may improve quality of life and prevent further health complications.

According to a 2017 article published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, approximately 75 percent of women reported complete or near complete recovery in their symptoms, while 31 percent reported continuing to suffer symptoms after having the Essure coils removed.

Can I get pregnant after the Essure coils are removed?

Generally no. Regardless of which procedure is done to get Essure removed, the patient’s fertility will not be restored.

Should I get Essure removed even if I am not experiencing any complications?

If the patient is not experiencing any adverse side effects from the coils, it generally is not necessary to have them removed. In most cases, the Essure coils are not likely to cause problems.