FAQs

Can you tell me about the newer method of tubal sterilisation that doesn’t require a general anaesthetic?

Answer

Essure® is a permanent birth control method that does not require a hospital stay.

It is suitable for women who have completed their families or have decided that they do not want to have another child under any foreseeable circumstances. This method of contraception is irreversible.

The doctor places two tiny metal rods into the entrance of both fallopian tubes. These are the tubes the woman's ovum (egg) travels down to get to the uterus (womb). Over the next three months the woman's body grows tissue around the rods which creates a permanent blockage in both tubes
Women are given sedation, which induces relaxation and sometimes a light sleep.

As you do not need a general anaesthetic, recovery time is shorter than for a tubal ligation. The actual procedure is also shorter than a tubal ligation as it only takes about 30 minutes to complete. It can be done in day-stay private or public clinics.