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Compare Essure to Vasectomy
Compare Essure to Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization. Unlike vasectomy, the Essure procedure is a permanent contraceptive method for women and does not involve cutting. The chart below compares vasectomy and the Essure procedure.
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Essure |
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Vasectomy | |
| 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. |
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 two vas deferens tubes are tied in two places with permanent sutures. The tubes are severed between the ties by one of three methods:
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| Failure Rate |
0.05% at 1 year 0.26% at 5 years |
0.74% at 1 year 1.13% at 5 years |
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| Recovery time | 1–2 days or sooner | 2-3 days | ||
| Pain/discomfort |
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| Proof of effectiveness | Yes. Three months after the procedure, the Essure Confirmation Test confirms placement. | Yes. A follow-up sperm count test is performed 3 months after the vasectomy to confirm no sperm is evident. | ||