Effectiveness of Sterilization
Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. Sterilization is nearly 100 percent effective.
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For every 1,000 women who have Essure, fewer than 3 will become pregnant.
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For every 1,000 women who have traditional incision methods, about 5 will become pregnant.
Most kinds of sterilization for women are effective right away. But it takes about three months before Essure is effective.
Keep in mind that sterilization provides no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Latex or female condoms can reduce your risk of STDs.
How Safe Is Sterilization?
Most women can be sterilized safely. But like any medical procedure, there are risks. One possible risk is that the tubes may reconnect by themselves — but this is rare. With Essure, there's a chance that the inserts can't be put in, they're put in the wrong place, or they slip out. If this happens, you may need a second procedure or need to choose another type of birth control.
When people get pregnant after being sterilized, about 1 out of 3 has a pregnancy that develops in a Fallopian Tube. This is called ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is serious and may be life threatening.
The Signs of Ectopic Pregnancy
The signs of ectopic pregnancy include
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irregular bleeding from the vagina
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pain in the abdomen or tip of the shoulder
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sudden weakness or fainting
If you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy and can't reach your health care provider, go to a hospital emergency room right away.
Other risks depend on the type of sterilization. Read below about the different types of sterilization and their risks. And talk with your health care provider about whether sterilization is likely to be safe for you.