Tubal ligation and the Essure procedure
While both Essure and tubal ligation offer women a permanent birth control solution, tubal ligation is a surgical procedure for permanent birth control. The Essure procedure does not involve cutting or burning, or require anesthesia, and has a much faster recovery time. The chart below compares tubal ligation and the Essure procedure.
  Essure Tubal Ligation
How is the procedure performed?
A soft, small insert is delivered through the vagina and uterus and placed into each fallopian tube.

Over the next three months, the body forms a natural barrier around the insert so sperm cannot reach the egg.
Usually performed as a laparoscopic procedure, under general anesthesia. Gas is used to expand the abdomen so surgical tools can be inserted. The fallopian tubes are blocked by one of these methods:
  • Clamping with metal clips or plastic rings
  • Cutting away a section of the tube
  • Burning a portion of the tube
The clamps, rings, or clips remain in the body.
Stitches or staples are used to close the cuts.
Effectiveness
99.95% at 1 year
99.74% at 5 years
98.45% at 1 year
98.69% at 5 years
98.15% at 10 years
Where performed?
In office
In hospital
Recovery time
1–2 days or sooner
4–6 days
Post-procedure pain/discomfort
  • Cramps
  • Discharge
  • Cramps
  • Discharge
  • Pain at the wound
  • Bloated abdomen and/or sharp pains in the neck or shoulder (due to gas used)
  • Bruising around the wound
  • Feeling tired and achy
Confirmation
Yes. Essure is the only method of birth control for women that has a confirmation test 3 months after the procedure to confirm both placement of the inserts and that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked.
No.

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