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Compare Essure to Tubal Ligation

While both Essure and tubal ligation offer women a permanent contraceptive solution, tubal ligation is an invasive surgical procedure. The Essure procedure does not involve cutting, burning or scarring or require general anaesthesia. The chart below compares tubal ligation and the Essure procedure.

WHAT IS ESSURE?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Essure Tubal Ligation
Description Soft, flexible inserts are delivered through the vagina and uterus and placed in each fallopian tube, without an incision. A natural barrier forms around the inserts that prevents sperm from reaching the eggs. An incision-based procedure performed under general anaesthesia. Gas is used to expand the abdomen. The fallopian tubes are then blocked by one of three methods:
  • Clamping with metal clips or plastic rings that remain in the body
  • Cutting away a section of the tube
  • Burning a portion of the tube
Stitches or staples are then used to close the cuts.
Failure Rate 0.05% at 1 year
0.26% at 5 years 		0.55% at 1 year
1.18% at 4 years
1.85% at 10 years
Recovery time 1–2 days or sooner 4–6 days
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
  • Tired and achy feeling
Proof of effectiveness Yes. Three months after the procedure, the Essure Confirmation Test confirms placement. No.
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