Return to Main Menu

OB/GYNs perform non-incisional birth control Permanent birth control. A medical necessity for some. A desirable option for others. Finally, women considering permanent birth control have a new option. It's called Essure. Unlike standard procedures for women such as tubal ligation—also known as having your tubes tied— and vasectomy for men, there are no incisions or punctures to the body. Essure takes about 35 minutes, does not require general anesthesia, and provides birth control without hormones. Best of all, the procedure causes little or no discomfort. MUSC was among the first facilities in the nation to offer the procedure.  Gynecologists at MUSC Women's Health are performing the first non-incisional surgical alternative to tubal ligation, a procedure that makes permanent birth control a safe and painless option for women, including those who aren't eligible for tubal ligation. Dr. James Carter “This is the culmination of 25 years of research,” said MUSC gynecologist James Carter, M.D., who, along with Donald Fylstra, M.D., is accomplished in hysteroscopic approaches and is the first in South Carolina trained in the procedure. Hysteroscopy is a procedure where a tubular scope is placed inside the uterus to allow for the placement of a small, flexible device called a micro-insert into each fallopian tube. Once the micro-inserts are in place, scar tissue grows, blocking the fallopian tubes. The woman's body and the micro-insert work together to form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg, thus preventing pregnancy. Dr. Donald Fylstra Carter and Fylstra emphasize the benefits of the procedure to the patient. “It's an extremely effective form of birth control posing minimal or no discomfort to the patient,” said Fylstra. “Patients receiving the procedure can literally get up minutes after it's completed and go home.” In international studies of the Essure procedure, 92 percent of working women resumed work in 24 hours or less after the day of the procedure. In fact, many women resumed normal physical activities the same day they had the procedure. After two years of follow-up studies, indications are the procedure is 98.8 percent effective. “This procedure expands the number of women who are eligible for permanent contraception,” said Carter. For example, surgery often poses a risk for women with serious medical conditions or who are severely overweight. The Essure procedure would likely be an option for such women. Developed by Conceptus, Essure was approved last November by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Because hysteroscopic procedures require specialized training and equipment regulated by the FDA, MUSC is among few facilities in the nation currently offering the procedure. Self-referrals are welcome.  For  more information, call MUSC Women's Health at 792-1212. Editor's note: The article is reprinted from Checkup newsletter, produced by MUSC Creative Services.  Benefits No incisions are required Can be performed without general anesthesia Contains no hormones 98.8 percent effective Rapid recovery  High patient satisfaction Considerations The procedure should be considered irreversible Women must use another method of birth control for at least three months after the procedure Removal of the Essure micro-inserts would require surgery Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.