Ask Karen: Permanent birth control

By Karen McNew
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: March 5, 2008

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Q:  My friend is looking for more information about a permanent form of birth control called Essure.  Can you tell me more about it?

A:  I first went to the company’s website to see if the procedure was offered in our area and found two physicians in Roanoke, two in Blacksburg and one if Forest who offer it.

After looking at the company’s website I found some points worth noting.

The company says the procedure is not reversible.
It takes about 3 months to take effect.
The company claims it is 99.8% effective based on 4 years of follow.

Dr. Eric Swisher with Physicians to Women in Roanoke is one of the local doctor’s who performs the in office procedure under local anesthetic.

“It is best suited for women who have had a child through natural delivery,” says Dr. Eric Swisher.

He says it can be used on women who have had a C-section but may be a little more difficult. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and there is little to no recovery time.  Patients are told to take it easy for about a day and may experience some cramping in the first 12 to 24 hours after the procedure.

Swisher says, “It is close to perfect contraception.  The only better and easier option may be a vasectomy.”

The Essure procedure is only for people who want permanent birth control.  Dr. Swisher says it can take up to 6 months for some people to be 100 percent effective. 

Link to more information about Essure