Vasectomy and the Essure procedure
Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male permanent birth control. Unlike vasectomy, the Essure procedure is a permanent birth control method for women and does not involve cutting or burning. The chart below compares vasectomy and the Essure procedure.
  Essure Vasectomy
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.
The scrotal area is shaved and cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
An incision or puncture is made into the scrotum (the sac containing the testicles).
The vas deferens tubes, one from each testicle, are tied in two places with permanent sutures. The tubes are severed between the ties by:
  • Cauterization (burning or searing of the tubes)
  • Cutting
  • Blocking with clips or clamps
If an incision is made, it is then closed with stitches.
Effectiveness
99.95% at 1 year
99.74% at 5 years
99.26% at 1 year
98.87% at 5 years
Recovery time
1–2 days or sooner
2–3 days
Post-procedure pain/discomfort
  • Cramps
  • Discharge
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Pain in the testicles (Ice packs and/or an athletic supporter may need to be used to decrease bruising and swelling.)
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.
Yes. A follow-up test is recommended three months after the vasectomy to confirm no sperm are present. Repeating the test every 10 years is recommended.

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