New procedure offers option for permanent birth control

A new breakthrough procedure is now available locally for women seeking permanent birth control.

Brought to southwest Missouri by Dr. John Williams, Ferrell-Duncan Obstetrics and Gynecology, Essure is a sterilization procedure for women that is performed right in the office under local anesthesia. It has a 99.8 percent effectiveness rate and is covered by most major insurance companies. Essure is not reversible and is for women who have completed their families and are sure they do not plan any future pregnancies.

Unlike traditional surgical tubal ligation, which requires a hospital setting and three to four days recovery, Essure requires no cutting into the body. Instead, physicians insert flexible spring-like coils through the vagina, cervix and uterus, and then into each fallopian tube. The procedure generally takes 30 minutes to perform and most women report little or no delay in returning to normal activities. For three months following the procedure the coils work with the body to form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. During this time patients need to use another form of birth control. After three months an X-ray is used to confirm that the fallopian tubes are blocked.

“Because Essure provides permanent birth control without incisions, it provides increased safety and convenience at a reduced cost,” says Dr. Williams. “Typically the procedure can be performed on a Saturday morning to eliminate the need to alter work schedules.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 269-7900.