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Every day, people make choices about their health. One of the most important choices, for both men and women, is family planning.

Nearly half of pregnancies [49%] are unintended and half of those unintended pregnancies occur during a month that a form of birth control was used. Unfortunately, there are still many misconceptions about the different contraception options and health risks.

“For women who are done with child-bearing, there is no need for them to take a pill every day or continue to worry about unplanned pregnancy,” says Dr. Susan Chapman, a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with Pali Women’s Health Center in Kailua. “A permanent birth control procedure, called Essure, is a great option for women who have completed their families.”

Essure is a permanent birth control procedure that can be done in the comfort of a physician’s office in about thirteen minutes — without hormones, cutting, burning or the risks associated with general anesthesia and tubal ligation.

During the procedure, small, flexible micro-inserts are placed in the woman’s fallopian tubes through the vagina and cervix. Within three months, the body forms a natural barrier around the micro-inserts that prevents the sperm from reaching the egg. A woman must continue to use another form of birth control during this time.

Three months after the Essure procedure, a doctor will perform an Essure Confirmation Test to confirm that the tubes are fully blocked and that the woman can rely on Essure for permanent birth control. Having confirmation that the procedure is successful frees a woman from the fear of an unplanned pregnancy and the routine
of temporary birth control, so she can relax and enjoy life’s pleasures.

“Every woman must make the decision about whether permanent birth control is the right solution for her and her family. For many women, the ability to take control over their fertility and know that they are permanently protected from future pregnancies is very empowering and liberating,” continues Dr. Chapman. “Permanent birth control allows them to be more spontaneous with their partners and allows them to focus on their families and their relationships.”

Developed, manufactured and marketed by Conceptus Inc., the Essure procedure has been FDA-approved since 2002. It is 99.8% percent effective and is the only birth control method with zero pregnancies*

Most insurance companies cover the cost of the Essure procedure. However, patients should check with their insurance provider or physician to be certain. Visit www.essure.com to learn more about Essure or contact Dr. Chapman, Pali Women’s Health Center in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Medical Plaza and Wellness Center adjacent to Castle Medical Center, Kailua at 261-6644.

* based on 4 years of clinical data

The Essure procedure may not be suitable for all women and there are risks. The procedure is not reversible, and you must use another form of birth control for at least three months following the procedure. Risks may include cramping/pain, nausea/vomiting, dizziness/lightheadedness, bleeding/spotting. Visit www.essure.com for a complete list of risks and considerations.