I had the Essure procedure done back in 2009 and have never looked back. After reading about my options, and reading about the risks for each, I chose the Essure procedure.
My procedure was done by a very qualified surgeon. I had a full exam prior to the procedure to make sure I met the requirements. On the day of the procedure I was put under so I would not feel anything. I was also told not to do anything strenuous for a couple of weeks after. I was also scheduled for a follow up exam in three months to make sure the procedure took. During the months prior to the follow up I was told to continue with my original birth control. I was also given a card that I am to keep in my wallet. It states I have the implants and gives the doctor’s name, address, and the lot number of the implants. It even reiterates the risks of the procedure on the card.
I find it sad that this procedure is being fought now. I am sorry to hear about the issues some women have had, but I don’t think it should be off the market.
I have been asked by a couple of doctors what I thought of Essure and if I would recommend it. They said they had considered offering the procedure in their practices. I’ll admit the way the doctors asked me it made it sound like there would be no ‘putting the patient under’ but rather having them awake. I disagree with that. Given the pain I felt after when I moved too much (a little like being punched in the stomach) I would not have wanted to be awake.
My surgeon was very thorough and made sure I understood the risks. I would want to know where the women who had complications had their procedure done, if they were fully informed, and if they went for their follow up appointment to make sure it took. If a doctor was just implanting them without fully vetting the patient, then that is a problem. These implants are not a ‘pop them in’ and just let the patient go product.
I do think doctors need to be fully trained and should be held accountable for their knowledge and using that to gauge the patient asking for the procedure.
It is understandable that no birth control is ever 100%, but I have never had one day of worry with my Essure. I love it, and it saved my husband a lot of pain.