Be careful what you wish for
“If you’re sure you’re done having children, and want a permanent form of birth control, talk to your doctor about Essure,” purred the smooth female voice at the end of the radio commercial.
I had heard this ad a couple of times and thought, “Essure? What’s that?” Because I worked in women’s health care for about a decade, it’s rare that I haven’t heard anything about something as basic as a birth control method.
A quick glance at the Essure website gave me the snapshot. A doctor places a very small coil in each of a woman’s two fallopian tubes. The coils cause mild irritation inside the tubes, which prompts the body to produce scar tissue. Over a period of three months, enough scar tissue builds up to block the tubes so that sperm can’t pass through to fertilize the eggs.
In the interim, a woman must use another form of birth control. At the end of three months, the woman needs to have an imaging test (specifically a hystereosalpingogram, or HSG) of her uterus performed to determine whether her tubes are fully blocked. On the surface, the procedure makes sense, and even sounds appealing.
A dream come true?
The site’s Benefits and Risks page features a long list of positives, with several items seemingly taken directly from the “birth control wish-list” of many women I know. For instance, Essure is a non-surgical sterilization procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office with no cutting whatsoever. It doesn’t use any hormones or silicone, both of which have received negative press recently and are causing women to think carefully about what goes into their bodies. The fact that the procedure is often covered by insurance makes it seem like a dream come true. But as with anything, it’s important to look past the hyped-up language and directly into the facts.
Essure makes the following claims on its website: “Quick recovery … most women return to their normal activities within one day.”
“No general anesthesia required – … Although some physicians may offer general anesthesia, this is not a requirement of the procedure …”
It’s true that the procedure doesn’t require general anesthesia. However, many doctors do require it for the placement of the coils.
“No hormones or silicone – … Essure micro-inserts do not contain silicone or release hormones…”
The inserts are hormone and silicone free, but they contain nickel, which many people are allergic to. If you’ve ever had a reaction to jewelry or the snap on your jeans, you are at risk to have a reaction to the inserts as well.
“The Essure procedure is covered by most health insurance plans …”
The procedure is usually covered, however, the follow-up HSG rarely is. The cost on that was reported to be $900 to $2,000.
Turn the coin over
If you’ve been reading my columns for very long, you know that I’m typically skeptical of any medical procedure that is hard-sold to the public. So, despite the fact that the risks were buried in a PDF several clicks down from the Essure home page (and invisible to search engines), I dug them up and looked them over carefully.
There were just two clinical trials for the Essure Permanent Birth Control Procedure, testing its effectiveness on a total of 745 women. This seems like an awfully small sample size, especially since the trial period was only five years old at the time the results were published. Essure does disclose that “(v)ery little is known about how well the Essure micro-inserts work beyond the first 5 years. What is currently known about the Essure micro-inserts may change as new information becomes available.”
But “what is currently known” is still plenty. Of the 745 women in the trials, 104 were unable to have both coils placed during the procedure. Sixteen had one or both of the tubes come out of their bodies. Thirteen had either their fallopian tube(s) or uterus perforated by one or both coils. When a perforation occurs, the coil is then floating in the abdominal cavity or the uterus. Not only will Essure not provide any birth control in that case, it will probably need to be surgically removed.
Because it takes approximately three months for Essure to be fully effective, the trials tracked the women for 15 months after the placement procedure, so that the first year of infertility could be studied. The problems reported from this period of time included steady or recurrent back pain for 67 women, abdominal pain for 28 and painful sexual intercourse for 27 women.
But wait, there’s more
The Summary of Risks paperwork dutifully reported these statistics, but couldn’t possibly reveal how the women who had undergone the placement procedure felt about the Essure method. I was able to find a few online bulletin boards where women were sharing their own experiences and this told me more about Essure than any of my other reading.
Women are reporting ongoing, persistent pain in their backs, sides and/or abdomens. Many women say their periods have changed since the procedure. For some, it got shorter and easier. For others, it was much longer and much more painful. I read several reports of one or both coils perforating the fallopian tubes and requiring major surgery to remove them. For other women, one or both coils just went missing. They weren’t in the fallopian tubes, nor could they be located in the uterus or in the abdominal cavity. This was the case in one woman who had been told that her tubes were completely blocked at three months post-procedure, but then conceived twins.
In total, I read about four pregnancies after women had been told that they were sterile. In one very sad case, the woman’s back-up birth control method failed in the first three months after coil placement. Her husband’s sperm was able to travel to the egg, but the fertilized egg was not able to return to the uterus via the mostly blocked fallopian tube. She had an ectopic pregnancy (in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus) and her tube ruptured one night, waking her with terrible pain and requiring immediate surgery to remove the tube and ovary.
Essure is brought to us by the same medical industry that has given women Thalidomide, the Dalcon Shield, Norplant and Premarin. For better or worse, the world we live in is driven by profit, even in what should be an inviolable realm – our basic physical well-being. As always, it’s important to be a knowledgeable consumer, especially of medical care. VS
I am considering Essure because I am having issues with the IUD
I am one of the 2.2% of women (according to Essure’s claim) who has had one Essure coil completely come out of the tube and is floating somewhere in my body. I have been advised by my doc to undergo the same treatment again but at my expense (again). I’m having second thoughts after reading this because I’m wondering why my doctor isn’t recommending some way of finding and removing this coil from my body. The coil is made and intended to cause scarring. Doesn’t that sound like something you should have just floating around in your body? Essure’s call center offers no support (“discuss with your doctor whether or not the coil should be removed.”). My doctor says there have been “plenty of studies that show there’s no danger in the coil remaining in your body, but not in the intended position in the fallopian tube.” This sounds wrong to me but I’m not a doctor. I’ll be seeking a second/third opinion until someone can tell me where this coil is and what should be done about it. And I will warn everyone who is considering the procedure to think twice about it and to know this is a potential outcome. My doctor never did. And I wish he had.
I was given Essure after an ablation to stop my heavy bleeding. I had been bleeding for 4 months. For awhile Essure worked, but now, five or six years later, the inserts have perforated my uterus and causes excruciating pain especially during menstrual cycle. My doctor says I have to have my uterus removed. I can’t afford to do so. Women need to think about using Essure. I was not given a choice.
My sister first had the Essure and experience severe pain, for so long, the doc didn’t know there was nickel in the coil and thought she may be allergic, so she had to have a hysterectomy. I knew for sure I do not have a metal allergy, and I have an amazing doctor that really spoke highly of the Essure after my 4th child. So I had it put in 2 yrs ago. His associate performed the procedure in the office. It was so extremely painful. They had a difficult time placing the left coil. It took around an hour. I passed out in the office afterward. It was awful. Since the Essure has been placed, I have had constant excruciating pain for 2 straight years. My doctor has been great, checking me regularly to make sure it isn’t anything else. We finally agreed to remove the Essure and my Uterus. I am currently healing and still am in pain. I am planning on looking into a class action lawsuit.
If not to make matters worse, I know two other people that have had essure as well with issues. A close friend never had the 3 month dye test, only to get pregnant w/twins (one tubal) as the coils both fell out. She lost both babies. And another friend that has not had any problems, but when she had the dye test at 3months, she was told that one coil was not placed correctly and she would need to have it re-placed…she hasn’t as of yet, because her insurance was expiring.
I do understand that Essure does work for many people. But I would not wish the pain and disruption to our lives that it has caused to my sister and myself. It has been a nightmare. No one deserves this kind of pain. And to have to add surgery on top of it, just plain sucks!
EVERYONE has a choice. You can always say no. I’m saddened that you had a horrible experience – but don’t make it sound like you were forced into the procedure. If you didn’t do your research – shame on you.
Autumn there is very little we know about Genna’s circumstances so it seems harsh judging her when she is already having her own issues to contend with. I understand you are trying to empower women with your statement but most things in life are not black and white. Autumn might have had little options with her medical coverage. 😉
ihave the essure about 12 months and have not experienced too much until now mild cramps on left side i am only guessing but reading what i read i want to get checked to make sure all is well. I am forty one with healthy 5 children smallest being 2 years old i could get pregnant too easy and IUD did not work for me i got it surgically removed. so i hope thiss is better.
maybe the research wasn’t available!
I’m wondering what you have done about your coil? The same thing has happened to me. I have very heavy and painful periods, back pain so bad I can’t move. I’ve tried for a second opinion but nobody will see me and all refer me back to my original doctor once they hear about the perforated coil.
I had mine done in 2009 and the doc I had knew I was allergic to most metals and assured me that this didn’t have nickel in it and yet, now we know differently. I am in a lot of pain, my periods last 10 days and I get blisters where ever my blood touches my outer skin which takes about a week to heal from after my period is done. I have a ton of pain on my right side that has been getting worse over the last year. i am hoping to have mine removed ASAP. I am glad this is successful for most, and sympathetic to those of us who have not had a pleasant experience as well.
i had essure in april 2010 and have had nothing but problems since…i didnt even want essure i wanted a tubal but when i went in to get my tubal the dr put me out and i when i woke up they gave me my discharge papers that explained how to take care of my incision….i was stunned when i looked to check my incision and there wasnt one…thats when the nurse informed me my dr placed essure instead….i have blackouts constantly lower back pain painful intercourse headaches every day…i have a hard time keeping food down as well as digestive problems and abdominal pain…the list goes on and on…i wouldnt wish this on my worst enemy….i had a period this mth but it wasnt as long as usual and now the cramping isnt going away and my breast are very tender…i dont know what to think because so many women are getting pregnant even after the tests say they were 100% blocked…ill lose my mind if i get pregnant and lose a baby…if you or someone you know is considering getting essure please dont do it…its not worth the heath issues…and constant woory about getting pregnant
Thank you for all this info. I was going to have this procedure done, but now I realize it’s not worth the risks. I’m bothered by how aggressively the doc has been pushing it. Good luck to the women caught in post essure hell.
this goes out to the women(autumn) who cant even sympathize about the situation. dont even comment we know its our decision do you have to make us feel worse than what we do! IF you cant even sympathize about the situation please keep your flap shut! Essure is an abomination and ladies I feel so sorry for all of us. I have pid and they are waaay more painful with the essure. I dont have insurance so er i go after my cycle that is. My periods arent the same lower back pain is a mother…cramps dont get me started IF im lucky i wont have it long. Sometimes its painful. There must be something we can do!! they can at least offer us a free removal or other services something!!!
I had my Essure placed in 2006. I had the follow up to the Radiologist and found my left implant was lost in my body somewhere. I had lower back pain, heavy periods, dizziness, and weight gain. My back pain was so severe that I had to have a Hysterectomy in Feb. Due this the Essure protruding out of my right tube. This product is horrible, and I hope that they recall this device soon.
Thank you all who have posted. I’ve been thinking about the procedure because I know I never ever want to be pregnant. Everything sounded so good about Essure. Too good, that is. I’m so glad to finally have some facts that let me know that this is not what I want. I’m sorry so many of you have had problems. I’m sure that they are terribly hard to deal with, but thank you for sharing them online. It’s helping other women like me make better informed decisions. Thank you all and good luck.
I had the Essure procedure in 2009. I had medications to take prior to arrival (Valium, hydrocodone, and 1 more but can’t remember what it was). I was then given an injection of Toradol at the office. During the procedure, I experienced some cramping that moved along with the insertion of each coil. I was able to watch the procedure on the monitor beside me. To me, the cramping was nothing more than the pain I felt at the beginning of my labor with both of my boys — painful but not unbearable. I was sore the remainder of the day, but I only took 2 of my prescription pain pills. I was able to control the pain after the first day with the prescription Motrin, which I only took for 1 day. I was back to my regular routine by day #3 post procedure. At my 3 month imaging test, the coils were still in place and tubes were sealed. I’ve had no complications since then, and there hasn’t been a change in my periods. I have no residual pain or cramping in my sides, abdomen, or lower back. I am very pleased with this procedure and the physician who performed it. I’m not sure of the total cost of the procedure, but I paid $60 copay for the specialist and $100 for the imaging. This is definitely cheaper than tubal ligation and WAAAY cheaper than having another child!
I had ESSURE done in 2009 and thought it was great. 3 years later I experienced symptoms that I had only seen when I was pregnant. I laughed and said if I didn’t know any better I would think I was pregnant. My husband reminded me I hadn’t started my period and maybe I should take a test. I took a test July 13, 2012 and it was positive. 3 days later I experienced terrible pain and heavy bleeding which was a miscarriage. I have been in pain every day since this and have been to 2 doctors after I contacted Conceptus who makes ESSURE and they contacted a dr who was taking good care of me and when I went in to find out where the coils were in my body the dr. became an inconsiderate jerk because conceptus contacted him. He refused to do the test to find out where the coils are and I am in so much pain I have to take pain pills and can do very little with my family. The doctor told me these coils are safe to travel all over your body and I could not be in pain. I am seeing a new doctor in September and I am praying for answers. I would advise anyone considering getting ESSURE to reconsider the risk of complications are too great and then doctors making you feel like the pain is all in your head when you are asking for help is insane. I should have never experienced a pregnancy when I went in for permanent birth control.
I was considering have this done. I will not be having it done now.
i was speaking with a friend last night. We were discussing me having this done, she told me about our mutual friend from a previous place we worked. She had it done and the coil broke.
This bit of information sent me on a research project to find out more information.
Prior to I had already been in the Dr’s office for Nuva Ring…yeah that was a horrible experience in and of it self. My bathroom looked like a murder seen for 4 days. I then went back to the Dr’s to see about getting my tubes tied.
It was suggested for me to have the Essure done because the Dr. I saw said I am to high risk. I am a well controlled diabetic, my blood pressures are coming down under control ( that hung on after my preeclampcia.)and I’m over weight. ( yet I had all of this when I had my emergency c-section.) I healed just find form that, matter of fact you can’t see my scar. Even the Dr. have a hard time find my scar. I had no complications from it. So why now all of a sudden is it an issue for them to tie my tubes?
I was then asked why I didn’t have it done while I had my c-section. Remember I said it was an emergency. Not only that, my husband and I hadn’t really discussed at that point if we were or weren’t going to have a second child. It wasn’t til I had recovered and she was home that we decided we were done with just the one child. We were happy with one child, our family is complete.
When I explained this to the Dr. She started going on about how I should have an IUD. I have horrible response to birth control pills. i explained to her I wanted permanent birth control. I didn’t want to come back in 5 or 10 years to have a new IUD put in place. that wasn’t what I wanted. That’s when the excuses started up, and the suggestion of Essure. I had had checked into it. I liked the idea ( at the time ). Well the office I was seen in doesn’t do the Essure and so they sent me back to the hospital in Sacramento where I delivered my daughter and told me that they did the procedure.
This procedure is being pushed and force on woman who may not look deeper then the Essure website, may not talk to other woman, or have a way research this. I actually went to the FDA website, what a joke! There is nothing on there in a way of bad effects of this.
I am to date still trying to get my tubes tied. On Monday, 9/10/12 I will be into speak with my GP and see about a referral to Sacramento and get my tubes tied.I am hopeful however I am not blind or unaware of what may happen when I demand what I want.
I will be sure to share this link. It’s full of fantastic information that I wasn’t finding.
I had the Essure procedure in May 2011. But Im being dealing with irritation, itchi, dryness, pain. I have been at the doctors office a few times because of yeast infection I have tried so many ointments but nothig happens. Thanks to this blog I think I finally foud what’s being going on in my body.
I had the essure done oct 2011. Presented to me as a less invasive in the office less expensive and just as effuective as tubal ligation! Sounded wonderful. Did research online. Found very few unsatisfactory comments. So i agreed.
Had my 3 mo follow up with the dye test. Was told i was completely blocked.
Became pregnant beginning of aug 2012. Partially ectopic interstitial pregnancy. The one essure coil was floating in my uterus. Had a d and c and tubal ligation with curatage to correct what was supposed to have already taken place last year.
My ob/gyn is wonderful and supportive but i dont feel there has been enough studies or warnings about essure. This was a terribly upsetting and emotional experience. I dont wish it on anyone.
When i mentioned to the dr that as i was compliant and had complete followup and confirmation i felt i should not be held financially responsible for the corrective procedure. She only said that she would talk with the essure rep but the answer would probably be that nothing except abstinence is 100%.
I had the procedure around Aug. 2010. I have been experiencing lower back pain and periods with a couple days that are so heavy, I bleed right through the strongest tampon made by playtex – Ultra (one above the SuperPlus) in an hour. I often wondered if this was caused from the procedure – after reading the above posts…I’m pretty sure I have my answer.
It was Aug. 2011. Please see posts at http://vervilledeb1.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/essure-problems-continue-among-women/
I spoke with my OB/GYN about Essure. The procedure sounded like a dream come true until I read the above article. I have major concerns about a surgical procedure that places nickel coils in my body; did the pharmaceutical company which developed this permanent method of birth control not consider nickel toxicity. The side effects of nickel toxicity seem to parallel the symptoms many women are reporting in their web postings. Symptoms of nickel toxicity if absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested include vertigo, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, brain and liver swelling, diarrhea, liver degeneration, skin rash, weakness, coughing, headache, respiratory illness, thyroid malfunction, interference of enzymatic reactions, irritation, and various cancers. I can only imagine the type of symptoms you can have if nickel is inserted directly into the uterus. I want to thank all the women who took the time to post their experience with Essure. I have changed my mind about this birth control.
I just had this procedure done on 10/8/12. I felt fine yesterday after the procedure. However today I have terrible lower back pain which prompted me to get online and see if other women had similar symptoms after this procedure. Please do more research before you consider doing this I wish I had!
I had this procedure done back in July. It’s about time for my confirmation test. I went from the Mirena to Essure. I haven’t had any problems thus far. I was up and about running errands a few hours after the procedure and went back to work the next day. My first couple of periods were heavy for the first couple of days (but I remember them being that heavy before the Mirena). I hadn’t had had a period in 3 yrs. Now they are lighter and shorter with mild cramps a few days before. I just hope that this thing works. Tired of hormonal birth control. Sorry to hear all the horror stories!!!
I had essure done in 2009 and I don’t regret it at all. I was back to work that afternoon and have never had any issues. My periods are shorter, lighter, less painful and I never suffered from any back pain or weight gain. I know of many women who’ve also had it and they also have had perfect results. Sucks to hear the horror stories, especially since my results were unlike any of those!
Hey my names Jessica, i had essure done six yrs ago following the birth of my daughter. Not having much info out on it then, i took my dr thens advice. Now for the past six yrs i have had constant pain long extreamly painful periods major hormonal problems major depression heavy bleeding not only once but twice a month headaches my hair is falling out im constantly dizzy i cnt keep food dwm…i mean the list goes on…when i first got this i didnt know they contained nickel n now that i do i realize i have a metal allergy with earings n thinking maybe this is the reason for my problems….So today i contacted essure by phone which i told them my issues and they gave me two numbers to drs n my area who do this after callin them n hearing we cant discuss this with you since your not a patient…im back to where i started…I dnt have the money to get them out but i dnt wanna leave them in either…What can I do???
I had Essure done in 2010 at age 39. The physician tried the procedure in the office and placement wasn’t possible so 2 weeks later it was done in the surgery suite.
I can say that I think it was the worst mistake of my life. I have always had a high pain threshold, little to no menstrual cycle and never a sign of PMS. Since I have had intercourse pain, 7-10 day cycles with cramping, constant back pain, numbness in legs as well as abdominal pain that ranges from cramping to excruciating but never goes away. With the pain has also been abdominal distention so severe that I look pregnant. When I went for my HSG I was assured that everything was 100% blocked so imagine my surprise when I came up pregnant 5 months later. I was not able to carry the baby to term. So this procedure that I wasn’t given enough info on and now have no medical coverage to do anything about it has ruined the life of me, my husband, 3 kids and the baby that I lost. I am painfully distraught.
It’s different strokes for different folks. I have been blessed not to have any issues with Essure thus far.
I had the Essure done Oct 12 2012, so almost a month. I did fine through the actual procedure and the first few days after. However, about a week after I started having dizziness, nausea, and painful pelvic cramping. The dizziness has improved, but I am still having issues with nausea and cramping. Both of these things come and go with varying degrees. I have read most of these posts and I am beginning to get really worried. I need advice. I have already asked my doctor and he said that the Essure wouldn’t cause dizziness and nausea, but now I read differently. Please help!
I had the Essure procedure done on Aug 2012. I had read all the wonderful reasons to chose this form of sterilization. I couldn’t afford to take more than a day or two from work. The procedure itself was very painful and I began having a burning sensation in my neck as soon as I got home. The symptoms I experienced were so painful and there were too many to list here. I felt as though there were shards of glass travelling through my system. My abdomen felt like it was on fire, my kidneys hurt, I experienced chest pain, numbness in my arms and face. I couldn’t get rid of the chemical taste in my mouth. I lost 17 ponds in 3 weeks. Eating was painful. I could no longer enjoy being intimate with my partner. I couldn’t find a doctor locally who would accept me as a patient or who would consider anything but a hysterectomy. I had to travel 6 hours from my hometown to see a doctor who removed both my fallopian tubes. I haven’t been able to work and won’t be able to return until mid December. The emotional, physical, and financial strain of all of this is overwhelming. I wish I would have been told the severe side effects that can happen with Essure. I wouldn’t recommend this to any woman.
Omg! I was considering Essure. Sounds like a dream, but clearly is a nightmare. I feel terrible for all you ladies who have had problems. I won’t be doing this. Thank you all for posting so others can make a more informed decision. I hope that you all can find answers. No woman should have to go through such horrible side effects.
I am having my implants removed on the 24th, yes christmas eve instead of spending ut with my family I will be having major surgery to remove something that was supposed to be ” to of the line and non invasive”. Since getting the procedure I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and some auto immune disorders (I’m assuming are frm my body fighting what’s not supposed to be there. I now have had 2 miscarriages (so much for being sterile right) and the coil is now sliding from the tube into my uterus. I have been in agonizing pain for months now, not to count the years before it moved.
I do NOT recommend this procedure to anyone. It should be a torture device no birth control. Erin Brokavich had picked up this as a cause and has a website and petition out. There is also a great facebook page that is very supportive and keeps people up to date on what they have heard from the manufacturer. The fb page is under essure problems. Look it up and see what others are going through. Lists of side effects and other documents that are very important to know.
Good luck to anyone who has already received this torture device and anyone that’s thinking about it, don’t play with fire.
Check out http://www.essureprocedure.net there is a petition there to sign to get these of the market. It is run by Erin Brokavich.
I should start by saying that I have been with my Dr. for 20 years, I am 41 years old now and have a wonderful huband, an 18 year old daughter and 17 year old son and still on birth control pills. I desided and agree to have done the Essure prosedure on 12-06-12, which wad convinient for me. My Dr. has been performing this procedure for many years and never has had any complications with any of his patients. Two days later on Saturday I started experiencing a sharp pain on the right side, it felt like I was being stabbed. At the same time I was feeling very bloaded and full of gases. The pain continued through all Sunday. I though it had more to do with the gases being stuck in my intestines and that’s why I was feeling so miserable. I called the Dr’s office on Monday, I was recommended gas pills to help me realize the nasty painful gases.
The next day on Tuesday the Dr’s office calles to follow up, I told them I was still having the sharp pain on the right side and now it was also in the middle, and occasionally a sharp pain down my right leg. They immediately ask me to come in for a check up. The Dr. did a sonogram and asked me to get an urgent X-ray done because he didn’t like what he was seen. I was able to get the X-ray done that same night. It so happened that the right coil had moved out of my Fallopian tube and it was in the middle.
Early the next morning on 12-12-12 my Dr. calls me, asking if I had not eatten or drank anything yet to go to the ER. I was treated at the ER like VIP thanks to my Dr., he performed a hysteroscopy to remove the coils via the vagina and then a laparoscopy through the belly button and small incision on the bikini line and he clipped my Fallopian tubes.
The coil that was in the middle had perforated a wall close to my intestines, it was also next to a nerve and that explains the pain down my right leg.
I am so greatful to have such a wonderful Dr. A truly humble and down to earth loving person that cares so much for his patients well being. He explained to me that my body apparently rejected the Essure coils.
So for those women thinking of the Essure procedure, it’s a risk you’re taking and you will not know until afterwords if it will work for you. For those women experiencing discomfort or any pain, I will suggest to see your Dr. because according to my Dr.’s not normal to experience any pain a few days after the procedure.
I hope my message can help any women out there experiencing what I just went through.
I am 40 and was considering having this procedure. I have changed my mind. I don’t want to worry about whether the coils will move or cause an allergic reaction. On my next appt I will discuss alternative methods.
Hi… I had the Essure procedure done back in June of 2010, after the birth of my 3rd child. My husband and I were sure this was the answer for us, because we were comfortable knowing our family was complete. Well,it012 and we just found out that I am 6 weeks pregnant! We’ve know for almost a week now, and we are still in shock… Anyone else out there have this happen? What did you do?
I had the essure put in after the birth of my fourth child. Well its been almost 6 yrs since i had it done and now in a few weeks i have to go get a hystrectomy because my periods have gotten heavier and longer. Plus i have been in pain where the coils are.
Well I had done this procedure a few months ago I have to go and do the test I two weeks, after all this comments I am a little worried, but there is always a risk with any procedure, because my friend had a tubal ligation and after 3 years ended up pregnant,she had to go through so much pain, so there is really no safe procedure, right now I am just hopping for the best.
I had the ESSURE done six weeks after having my son in 2009. I also have a gentetic condition that causes problems like tearing of conective tissues. After almost four years I have had no change in my menstral cycle, no loss of a coil, no extreme pain. I had the confirmation test at 3 months and only one tube was blocked. I waited another 3 months and was retested and both were now blocked. I had hip xrays due to my genetic condition back in july of 2012 and you can clearly see the coils in my xrays. If you are missing a coil and feeling pain in a specific area go to the er and explain.
Jessica, I am having the SAME problems. I had my Essure done In 2009 after my 4th child. I never had long heavy periods and all of a sudden it had gotten so bad that I couldnt leave the house due to having major leakage even after just changing. I have had insane amounts of pain on my right side near my ovary *assuming fallopian tube* and I explained all of this to my OB, he decided we should do an endometrial ablation and therefor help stop my bleeding and then voila no more pains, YEAH the endometrium came back thicker and now I am bleeding and in twice as much pain and even longer periods, I am havig a hysterectomy done in a month and they are leaving my ovaries but taking out the essure and the uterus! GET THESE DAMN IMPLANTS OUT OF ME! I wish that a few years ago I would have been more conscious about having these put into my body, definitely not worth all the pain! Good luck to you in your hysterectomy!
Yes Essure sounds simple ! But many women still get pregnant and the coils come loose and penetrate major organs ! Like colon and than your stuck with a colostomy bag the rest of your life from a simple permeant birth control ! That’s not so permanent ! Oh not to mention joint pain and sharp stomach pain ! And unknown skin rashes and heavy extreme bleeding ! If you get this placed do your research it is fairly new to the market ! But women of all ages have major issues with this faulty product !
exactly
I had the Essure procedure done in April 2009. I didn’t have any trouble with the procedure during or after. At the 3 month appointment both tubes were blocked. Menstrual cycles haven’t really changed, back pain some, but that’s always been the case. Today when I went to the rest room to change my tampon there was this strange thing on it. More investigation and I figured out what it was, yes you guessed it, one of the coils has come out. Now I’m concerned where the other one may be. I will be calling the doctor tomorrow, but will not be having it replaced. I made this decision the first time so that my husband wouldn’t have to have a vasectomy, well he will be having one now, sorry honey!
I had the procedure (well half of it) done in March of 2011. After the placement of the first coil, they were having trouble seeing, so they removed the camera to add more liquid to the uterus. When the doctor re-inserted the camera, she perforated the top wall of my uterus and went right through to my abdominal cavity; obviously couldn’t finish the procedure. They don’t know if the one side was even inserted correctly. I was in severe pain for at least a week, and could not return to work for almost two weeks as a result. Every time I would move and especially laying down, the liquid that leaked into my abdominal cavity would put pressure on my diaphram, making it spasm randomly. I would highly NOT recommend getting this procedure done. I was not warned of this type of complication, and if I had to go back, I would never have had it done.
I’ve been told twice now by my dr to consider having this done bc i 2 hernia operations I’ve had 20 years ago, and the additional scaring that will be caused by having my tubes tyed!!! Im very sceptic of it, and will not be getting this done!!! Im glad a found this blog.
I am very happy to have had the Essure procedure done. After my 7th child I wanted a birth control that worked for me. It’s been a year and I feel healthy and well. I’ve always had normal periods and I’m still regular as ever. I’m sad that this procedure did not work for everyone. My doctor from Vegas is one of the best.
Well I was on my way out the door to visit my gyn to discuss this and you all have saved me a trip. I have read every single post here and the bad far outweighs the good. That being said I don’t think I will be doing this, who wants to chance it and then be sorry they did it? I am so sorry to hear of the nightmares some of you ladies are having because of this so I say thank you for taking the time to post your experiences (both bad and good) so that others (like myself) can make a better informed decision.
WOOOOW I was considering Essure. From the advertisements and website, I thought it would be the best thing in the world. I guess not … =(
Thank you ladies for telling about the negatives of it as well. It has really helped me,ALOT!!!
I haven’t had any procedures yet. I am seriously going to look at other options.
God bless you all. =)
Ive recently had this in Dec 2011 because I was unable to receive IUD Although Im completely done with having kids.I got my HSG a few days ago and its came out successful,but Ive notice a different in my periods if that is what they are. I now have them about twice a month and last about a 2 weeks as to before 3 days. & I have cramping all the time even without my period. Im not saying its a bad choice but I would recommend just birth control to those who wish to no longer conceive.
I’m still looking into alternatives to Essure after reading the horror stories. I found a product called Adiana. The procedure mirrors that of Essure, but instead of coils they insert two silicone sponges (not likely those will be penetrating the uterine wall or causing nickel toxicity). The product has been used in Australia and Europe for several years now with supposedly a 95% success rate. Apparently, the U.S. FDA only recently approved this product around 2009. Does anyone have any experience with Adiana they could share? I would greatly appreciate the feedback!
I had this done after I had my 3rd baby. I had a tubal as well after my second child which was not done correctly, obviously. But I have noticed that my periods are erratic. I can go 2 months no period then I will get 2 in one month, one that is lighter and one that is so heavy that the super plus tampon just doesnt cut it. They are not painful nor do I have the back pain that others talk about, but I work for a chiropractor and get adjustments 1-2 times a week so that my be keeping the pain at bay. It is terrible. I have also read that there is this ‘magical’ 2 year mark that women seem to be getting pregnant after having this done. I really hope this doesnt happen to me again. Good luck to anyone that gets this done. I am not a fan…
Had Essure procedure 2006,now i suffer joint pain,pain in wrists and feet, Extremely painful lower back pain,menstrual bloodclots the size of quarters,shooting pain down my legs,burning pain in muscles. Now disabled
Jan. of 2011 after having our second son, i had the essure coils implanted. Well, Last week we just found out that im 18 weeks pregnant (with another son)Dfinitly not happy with these coils. I was fixed due to previous pregnancy issues. So far so good. Ever since i had the coils implanted my periods were never regular. Going to finish my pregnancy out and after our new baby boy is born, then coils are going to be REMOVED and their going to do it the ol fashioned way, cut, tie, burn, whatever it takes!!!
Ladies my heart hurts for you after reading about the hell you have been through because of Essure. My husband and I have decided we are happy with our family and I was looking into having the procedure done. After reading the horror stories I have decided against it. Thank you for sharing your stories, and saving another woman from misery.
I had the Essure procedure done in March of 2009, and followed it up with the x-rays (as required) that confirmed 100% closed. Until now, everything was fine. The last several months I have been having abnormally heavy cycles accompanied by severe cramps. I figured it may just be because of stress. Now I am suddenly having severe pain in my lower abdomen, to the point that I can barely walk or stand without doubling over. It is excruciating. After reading some of these post I am really scared to find out what is going on, however that is not why I haven’t been to a doctor yet… because of recent events in my life (divorce amongst others) I do not have insurance for at least another 5 months. I just started a new job, and it will be that long before I have benefits… Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do?
in aug.09 i got the eesure…in Aug.2012 I had a misc.from time to time i do have a sharp pian that only last a few seconds.The pian feels like electric shock!
I had the Essure procedure done in June 2008 when I was 38 years old. My dr. did put me completely under; it was done in more of a surgery center instead of in his office. He felt that was best. I have had zero issues since; it went perfectly. Had the HSG done three months later as directed and the result was good. I was worried that the HSG might hurt – I read a lot on the internet about that – but it did not hurt one bit. I am very sorry that some ladies have had problems with this procedure. That is horrible. But just wanting to provide a perspective that it does work for some as well.
Woooooow! Different strokes for different folks! I had the Essure procedure done in 2008! The procedure was done in outpatient instead of the office. Procedure went well! I was back to work the very next day! I had no pain, none what so ever! It has been five wonderful years and everything is still going good for me. I guess that I was one of the lucky ones! I fully recommend it, but like I once said, “Different strokes for different folks!
I had essure at a young age of 24 and looking back I can’t believe the doctor did it at such a young age. I’m sad that I did because I’m married to a wonderful man that I’d love to have kids with, and now I can’t. I wish I had the funds to remove them as they do case me ALOT ALOT of pain.
Thank you and bless all of you brave women for sharing your stories. I was seriously considering getting this essure procedure – I am going in for a consult with the doctor tomorrow. I need something hormone-free birth control, and after being told about this “easy” and non-surgical procedure, I thought how perfect that was. After reading this article and these stories, there’s no way I’ll go through with it. Just too many risks . . . It’s not worth it, especially when I have a young one to take care of. So thank you again!
Thanks for this article. I was actually thinking of having this procedure but the fact that it contains nickel (not something I would have otherwise known!) was the deal breaker for me.
A while back, I was part of a Mirena trial. Originally, the trial was 3 years, but at the end of my 3 years, I was approved to go to 5. Not trusting the Mirena to protect me past the original 3 years, I had it taken out & dropped out of the trial. I did have several ultrasounds during the trial, and I always found it funny that as “things” were discovered in me, I’d hear them spouted off in the commercials! I liked having the Mirena (in fact, I’m considering having a new one inserted vs. tubal ligation) but what I did learn was that trials are for the period of time they are comfortable guaranteeing their products!!
Don’t get it. I had it and after I was told my HSG was negative I stopped using birth control. I got pregnant right away. I was very sadden by this. I got my docotor to insert the IUD because I was too scared. Now I have both. I am not sure how much is really known about this but I would not recommend it.
I had the procedure performed in July 2011 after my third child. I did have some moderate cramping for about a day afterwards but after that I haven’t had any problems. All surgery contains risks. For me, the percentage of people having problems with Essure appeared to be less than the percentage of people who had issues after a tubal ligation.
I had the procedure done in 2007, and have been progressively getting sicker ever since. Terrible joint pain, back and pelvic pain, heavy periods with large clotting, fatigue, debilitating cramps, memory fog, weight gain, hair loss, hot flashes, insomnia, skin rashes, bladder infections, increased blood pressure, and many other symptoms have plagued me for 6 years now. I get my periods every 2 weeks now. My husband and children are suffering because I don’t even have the energy to do things with them that I used to do. I don’t have insurance anymore, so I cannot afford to get the surgery to have the Essure coils removed. I am one of hundreds of women who are suffering from this procedure. For those who have had no problems, I am glad it worked out for you, and I hope you don’t develop any symptoms later on. For those of you who have been considering getting this procedure done, PLEASE DO NOT DO IT!! Or at least have the nickel allergy test done and do your research! I would NOT recommend this to anyone!
All procedures have risks and it’s extremely wise for every person to research things to find out what’s best for them. Do talk to a doctor but also research on your own.
While working at an ob/gyn office I had been begging my doctors since I first started for sterilization to help with excessive bleeding and the fact that I never want children. After 11 years I got my wish with the Essure procedure followed by ablation.
I personally had problems during the procedure as I encountered a vasovagal response due to the touching of the cervix. I ended up only being able to tolerate one side being placed before we had to halt the procedure and try again later. It did happen the second time as well so for the ablation we opted for general anesthesia at a surgical center.
Despite all of that, I feel like the procedure is still wonderful and has done everything promised!
My doctor is participating in a study where instead of an HSG, an ultrasound can be used to determine correct placement. I opted into that and therefore didn’t have the huge bill associated with going to an imaging center.
These are all good things to think about and ponder as well. Nothing is really a one size fits all, there are always exceptions. Reading some of the things you ladies have been going through is awful and I empathize with you!!
So, even though the procedure worked wonderfully for me, I’m glad there’s resources like this out there to keep people informed!!
I had the procedure done December 2006. It stated with a little more cramping and bleeding with my cycle than normal. By May, I was making frequent calls to my Doctor whom assured me that it was normal. The pain I was feeling was my body scaring over the implants and would soon stop. December of the next year, I went to the emergency room. No one had ever of the procedure. I was crazy. It was all in my head. In the waiting room I passed out. Later the nurses told me that I was passing blood clots the size of baseballs. They had never seen so much menstrual blood. They gave me a script for drugs and sent me home. Again, my doctor told me all of this was normal and probably was caused because I was overweight. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia given drugs and sent home. I was told the back pain was because I was overweight. I was told the depression was caused by postpartum. I was told the numbness I occasionally feel in my legs is because I was overweight. I began to have migraines so severe that I would lock myself away in my dark room for days at a time leaving my husband to care for his son and his step daughter. The pain of having sex was like giving birth. Afterwards, I would lay and moan and cry and just two years into my marriage we stopped having sex because he felt he was hurting me when it was the alien nickel metal springs that was causing the pain. But the doctors kept saying it was all in my head, all the while writing scripts for pain meds that did nothing for the pain. Four years after marriage, three years after implants, my husband and I separated. He was having an affair. I could not blame him very much. We were unable to be physical. I too very much wanted to be with him but the flood of blood and the terrible pain stopped me. I began to that the Depo-Provera shot to help with bleeding. It seemed to help immensely but my doctor warned about the hormones of the shot every three months. Depo is a birth control drug given every three months. I was supposed to be sterile already and she didn’t like doubling up on birth control. Four years after implant, I moved here to West Virginia. No one here had even heard of the implants. I continued to take the Depo shot. Dr. Noland has been wonderful. He told me of a procedure that would almost stop the bleeding. It is called eblasion. I was wary after the procedure that was supposed to have been pain free called essure, which was obviously not. He explained that he would go in and burn the cells that made the menstrual blood. During the procedure he decided to take an x ray to look at the mysterious essure implants only to find that both of them were lodged in my uterus. This is obviously nowhere near my fallopian tubes. He is currently researching a way to remove them from my uterus without having to do a hysterectomy. After years of being in pain, being told it was all I’m my head and I was only wanting pain meds, we find that it was not all in my head.
“Cristie says:
May 10, 2013 at 6:03 pm
I had essure at a young age of 24 and looking back I can’t believe the doctor did it at such a young age. I’m sad that I did because I’m married to a wonderful man that I’d love to have kids with, and now I can’t.”
people like you are why it is hard for people like me (who never have and never will want children) have to fight with our doctors to get things like tubal ligation done. I am 32 and my husband is 40 and my doctor won’t even consider it until I am 35. (what is the point then? my mother started menopause at 38!)
I had the procedure done in 2011 at the age of 40. It took two attempts to place both coils, and it was an outpatient procedure in the doctor’s office. During the first attempt, one coil was placed, but the second fallopian tube appeared to be blocked/sealed/nonexistent – we decided to go ahead with the HSG after 3 months and see what it showed. the doctor gave me a mild muscle relaxer before the second attempt, and the coil was placed very quickly. I was back at work the same day after both procedures adn the HSGs. There was some mild cramping after the procedure and after the HSG, but no worse than typical menstrual cramps. The HSG was uncomfortable (as was the placement procedure) but not painful. In my case, researching doctors and being comfortable with the doctor performing the procedure was the single most important factor in my decision.
I had the Essure procedure done in May 2008, 3 months after the birth of my 3rd child. I was told it was a painless procedure, which was not true. I was in so much pain that I was crying and groaning during the placement. My doctor said that he had noticed some women complained of pain during the procedure but it would subside within a day or two. Since then, I have had severe menstrual cramps, back pain, irregular periods, and my hair falls out in clumps. I called my doctor to see about having the coils removed. He told me that it is a permanent procedure, as I was advised previously, and that removal was not an option. After researching online, I have found that removal is in fact an option, but the only place that will do it is across the country from me, does not take insurance, and costs $7000 to do the removal procedure. My daughter passed away in February and I have since gotten divorced and remarried. My new husband only has 1 child, and would love to have more. We are now trying to plan our budget to allow us to save the money to have the Essure removed and my tubes reattached to attempt to conceive a child. However, $7000 is a lot of money for us, and I may very well start menopause before we can save enough. I am 36 and he is 46. I definitely do not recommend the Essure procedure. Unexpected things happen in life that may make you rethink your decision to permanently sterilize yourself. I know my life changes along with the side effects have definitely made me regret that decision.
Hi my name is Lisa. im am 27 years old. I have 3 beautiful children ages are 8 6 and 3. I had gotten the Essure done in oct of 2011 when i was 25 years old after the loss of my 4th child. The dr first told me and my husband that our child we loss was in my tube and I had to go into emergency surgery to remove my tube in which the baby was in. After i came out of surgery, I was still pregant!!! What a weird way to go huh?? After about a week, I had to go into surgery again because our child had implanted itself to my uterus but my hcg levels were decreasing causing me to go into a miscarriage. So again I had to go back in to for emegency surgery to have a dnc to remove the baby. I was 6 weeks pregant when this happened. I lost our baby on my birthday august 5th 2011. Then the dr had told me he felt it would be my best bet to have the essure done because 3 children was enough to have. he didnt tell me the implants had nickel it in which im allergic to. Also after they were inserted, i began to have really bad periods lasting 1 week or more. Also when we have intercourse, it hurts so bad I cry. I have regret of getting this done because my chances of actually having another child is gone. I itch my stomach on the sides where the implants are and they turn into little dots on my skin. My hair is falling out. I have mood swings alot!! I cry and I am depressed everyday in which i am on paxil for now. I have serve anxiety problems. My back hurts me all the time. i feel the implants inside of me which is weird expecially when i get my monthly period. I get headaches all the time. I have passed out on my husband more then once. i have felt dizzy and the cramping never goes away. I would never in my life tell someone to get this done. I am currently going to file a lawsuit and have these implants REMOVED at whatever cost. Hope and Pray and I do have faith in god that i may be able to have another child. They dont tell you everything you want to no only what they want to tell you. They basically lied to me saying that they cant be removed and it is permanet. LIARS!!! I currently have cervical cancer now and no incurance but they did make sure they did the implants when I had incurance to get the money though. This was all a bad idea and now im paying for it.
Hi Ladies, my name is Rachael I’m 22… I got the Essure about 3 weeks ago and I haven’t had any problems at all. Do I regret my decision? Not at all!!! I have 2 beautiful daughters and one amazing husband, my family IS complete! I did alot of research before signing for the Essure, one thing I learned while doing research is the Essure is kinda like pregnancy its going to effect each women differently, I didn’t want to make my decision based off someone else’s good or bad experience. I simply put it in Gods hands and hoped for the best. I haven’t had any problems at all, I was back to normal the very next day! I was in and out of the doctors office within about an hour. Another thing I’ve noticed is most women posting about their negative experience, have the Essure put in around 2008-2010… haven’t heard to much negative past 2010. I absolutely love Essure and would highly recommend Essure! Now I am still waiting for the conformation test, in my opinion I’ve had no problems this far so… in turn I am in no way am I doubting the conformation test being negative for blockage. My advice to women…. please don’t go based off ONE women’s opinion about Essure, make the decision you feel is best for yourself and your family. To the women who have not experienced any good from Essure my heart goes out to you!! As my experience with Essure has been nothing but good! 🙂
I had essure done back in 2003 it wasn’t bad in the beginning but over the years I do have crazy cycles now bad back pain as well as headaches andi now have acid reflex but all this happen after I got the procedure done. I would like to know if there is a lawsuit about this they should I’m not happy either.
My problems started four years after placement. Chronic pain for almost a year until their removal including stabbing sharp ice pick pains. I had a nickel allergy test done and it came back as positive. It cost me 6 thousand dollars to have the surgery to remove the coils. Yes be careful what you wish for. I wish I had never had them put in to begin with. It was a nightmare, not a dream come true.
I had the Essure procedure done in 2005. Back then it was fairly new only about 3 years old. I was not told about many side effects probably because there were not many then. I was told that it could not be reversed and if I were to become pregnant it would not be a progressive one.
I did not get pregnant but in 2012 I woke up to an ache in my abdomen which progressed so much that by 10 pm I was at the hospital. The doctor ran so many tests that night, ct scan, ultrasounds, vaginal exams, etc but found nothing. After a shot for the pain my thigh went numb and has been ever since. I am currently experiencing occasional pain in my abdomen and many now side effects that I did not realize were until now.
After more tests and many more doctors , including a Neurologist for the numbness, I was told I had a pinched nerve in my thigh but no one could tell me what was causing it or the pain in my abdomen and leg. The pain continued and my new gynecologist decided to do another HSG test to confirm if the coils were still in place. We both saw what looked like one coil sticking up,which is in the exact same place that I feel the poking pain, but the other one was intact. After the Radiologist looked at it he ruled it inconclusive. My gynecologist has agreed to take the coils out as she used to preform the Essure procedure but no longer does them. She feels that they cause too many issues. Pain means something is wrong and I did not give up. I will have my surgery in October 2013
I had Essure placed in 2009. It took 3.5 years to figure out that it was the cause of a massive immune/allergic reaction. I have a huge number of allergies now and lost weight because I was allergic to so many foods. I was down to 89 pounds when I finally had to have a hysterectomy to remove the Essure coils in January of 2013. I have since started to feel better and have gained back 10 pounds. The implanting procedure was quite painful. I saw 7 doctors who couldn’t figure out why I had become so allergic. It wasn’t until I started having stabbing abdominal pains that I did some research and found out that I was not the only one to have pain or develop allergies after having Essure. I have lost a lot of time with my two beautiful daughters and my patient, loving husband from being so incredibly ill. I would not recommend Essure.
I was implanted with the torture devices Essure in 2005. Over the past 8 years my body has had a weakened immune system, heavy blood clots and bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and inflammation, joint swelling, fatigue, my tubes felt as if there was a fire poker in them. Doctors did ultra sounds and xrays on me and said everything looked fine. They would prescribe me pain meds and send me home with more questions than answers. A little over a month ago I found a support page with 1600 members where I had a light bulb go off and I finally realized it wasn’t just me and I was not crazy. I found a doctor on the site and had my tubes removed. The doctor attributed the pain I was suffering to my coils without a doubt. To my doctor & nurses in my surgery were shocked to find that my coil had perforated through my right tube. I started feeling better within a day or two of my surgery. Now two weeks later almost all of my issues are gone with exception to my right side having residual aching from where the hell coil scraped my insides for who knows how long. I believe there is not enough information out there for women and Bayer along with doctors on their Essure payroll will not tell you all the answers to your questions without putting their fluff spin on it. We are real women with REAL stories and feel every woman contemplating getting this done to them should be fully and completely informed.
I got my Essure coils in 2003. Had the HSG, everything was good. I got a transvaginal ultrasound almost a year ago, and I saw them, they were straight and all in one piece. Then about 2 months ago I had random Sharp pains on my left side. I questioned whether it was my fallopian tube or my colon because I do have IBS. But it’s definitely my tube. It comes and goes, luckily the sharp pains don’t last long, but I do feel constant mild cramping in my uterus. I had a little spotting during the first sharp pain episode but nothing since. I would love to get them removed in Georgia but I don’t have $4500 laying around. I want these things out before they cause significant damage. I have had several other symptoms that others have attributed to Essure but I can’t definitively say that the coils caused my personal symptoms. Incidentally, I had to go back on the Pill because of heavy bleeding, so what the hell was the point? I am so grateful that I didn’t get pregnant after Essure, or have the serious problems others have had. My thoughts are with those of you who are suffering. My pain didn’t start for 10 years, so hopefully those of you who haven’t had symptoms aren’t in for a painful future.
FYI, Lakeshore Surgical center in Georgia does Essure removal for $4500. essureremoval.com. I am not affiliated with them in any way, and have not been there. I just thought I’d pass on the info.
I have had the procedure done back in November of 2007 and since then I have not had any serious problems.. 1) my periods were always irregular, so I count that out. 2) I never experienced severe cramping either and 3) I will admit that after having had the procedure after a year of implantation my mentrual flow has been a little bit heavy. The HSG test that was done three months after the procedure was clear and showed complete blockage. Its been 6 years to the day and during the course of that time span I’ve experienced minor cramping around the abdominal area and my sides but none to concern me with any problems related to the implants. I’ve had regular visits with my gynocologist and several imaging scans(sonograms, x-rays) around that area and saw with my doctor that both coils were intact and in place. I feel fine and sexual intercourse has never been a problem as well. I am sorry to those women who has had serious issues with this particular procedure. To set the record straight, before I even considered doing this procedure I did researched it as well as talked it over with my gynocologist and I was told of its side affects and I was even asked if I was allergic to any metals and when I asked why, I was told that the coils contained nickel. But, with any procedures being considered especially regarding any foreign body going into you, it is common sense to ask lots and lots and lots of questions until you are completely and absolutely convinced and satisfied of all answers given. At least that is what I did when I opt for this procedure. I recently had to undergo an MRI due to an injury on my back which happened at my place of work. The image from the MRI also showed the implants in its place. I mean, it is a risk factor but these are choices that we make and the only way to assured results is to really play the wait and see game. That is why it’s important to weigh out the pros and cons of any procedure done. I hope my opinion on this was helpful and once again I sympathize with those women who’ve had bad experiences with this.
I appreciate your article, could be a good time for another one. Lots of tv newscasts being done. Please do another store. If you need some more material, essureproblems website has documents. Thanks
Essure is brought to us by the same medical industry that has given women Thalidomide, the Dalcon Shield, Norplant and Premarin. For better or worse, the world we live in is driven by profit, even in what should be an inviolable realm – our basic physical well-being. As always, it’s important to be a knowledgeable consumer, especially of medical care. VS
Had the insertion in Sept. 2013 and the follow-up HSG today. One coil is clearly not where it should be and appears to have perforated a tube. I’ve not had pain from it. Follows up with the original OB/GYN to come (hopefully tomorrow). I’m in shock from the news today…
after our 4th child in 2009 we decided we would stop having children and were told about “essure” & how great it was if you were looking for little to no down time. july 24 2009 I went in to have the coils placed & went to lunch with my husband after the procedure. weeks later I started to experience pain in my legs & abdomen, I put off going to the dr. for over a year with the pain & finally gave in. he then told me that it HAD to be endometriosis and we needed to do a laproscopy. I, 25 at the time, didn’t ask questions and trusted my dr. on sept 16, 2010 I went in for day surgery and woke up the next day to find out that I had to have 3 pints of blood due to my dr. hitting my ilieo femoral artery on my left side. 2 weeks later I found out he also tied my nerve off to the artery to stop the bleeding which has caused permanent damage to the nerves in my left upper leg and bikini area. after undergoing a femoral bypass at age 25, and 5 other surgeries since then to “get rid of the pain” I recently talked to a friend with the essure who has become pregnant which led me to doing some research. in November of this year I came across the stories of some other women and realized that i’m not alone. after years of leg, abdominal, side, & back pain and debilitating headaches and months of nausea, all over joint pain and tingling sensations in my arms, hands & feet I am 2 weeks post surgery of having my tubes removed with the essure in them & I feel great. I know it’s only 2 weeks but i haven’t experienced any pain since surgery and i feel wonderful.
I had the Essure procedure done in October 2009 when I was 25. I had my follow up in January 2010 and my coils were intact and my tubes were 100% blocked. I will be 30 this year and everything has been fine since having the procedure. My periods are extremely sporatic, but have been since I started at age 11. I have not had any pain or heavier bleeding. I was told it could be done in the office but it wasn’t. It was done as an Outpatient surgery and my insurance did actually cover it. I am sorry to all of you ladies who have had issues with the procedure. I know there are a lot of negatives to having it done, but every person is different and nobody can know how it will affect themselves. I would recommend it and have recommended it.
I had essure done in 2011 and everything was fine however I ended up with cervical cancer last year I didnt have HPV virus but had displasia I had a leak procedure that burns cancer cells im not sure if essure was the cause or not I dont sleep around have no major health problems and out of no where after essure 3 years later I got cancer it scared me but truthfully essure caused me no problem’s no pain just up in the air about cancer vs essure but I still have essure and after leak i still feel fine in all areas including having and after sex no bleeding pain nothing
I would like to start off by saying I am blessed I have 5 children after having my last daughter I decided it was time for sterilization I would have liked a tubal ligation but my doctor pushed essure on me.I wasn’t sure at first but due to the fact all of my pregnancies were difficult I had to do something so I had essure placed October of 2012 to make a long story short yesterday I was at the OB and I am 5 weeks pregnant but there is blood in the uterus so I have a 50 50 chance of miscarrying I wish I would have never got the Essure done especially if it wasn’t going to work
which dr removed your coil where is she i could like mine removed
Where did you have them removed, and how much was it?
Please visit facebook group Essure problems and follow Essure problems on twitter. over 18k woman in the group with more added every day with associated symptoms,pain,pregnancy,migration. We are trying to work on getting Essure recalled!! Please join the fight and file an adverse event report with medwatch and fda if you have now or even had any symptoms, or problems associated with Essure. We have lots of files with great information, doctors in our group, and a list of doctors who are qualified to remove essure properly. Did you know that if essure is not removed right the first time, you can have more complications and possibly more surgeries? Essure has nickel and petfibers which cause consistent inflammation, auto immune deficiencies and much more. There have also been several deaths linked to essure, and the FDA is investigating Essure and Bayer. Erin Brockovich , YES the real Erin Brockovich is our spokes person and has a website called http://essureprocedure.net/ Go check it out.. Do as much research as much as you possibly can before considering this horrible device that causes me and thousands of others to be in so much pain on a daily basis. Join Facebook group, and the woman will answer any and all questions to help you. there is so much information on files, you have no idea what these things do to our bodies.
Here’s what they don’t tell you… The coils themselves are made of a nickel titanium alloy (as well as some other metals.) Many women have either nickel allergy or sensitivity. Some doctors will tell you that the amount of nickel in the devices is “insignificant” or “negligible”, but the Essure brochure clearly states that Essure is contraindicated for women with a nickel allergy. Prolonged, constant exposure to nickel can also cause an allergy over time, especially if you are already sensitive to it. If you have reactions to jewelry containing nickel, chances are you have nickel sensitivity. This can cause skin rashes, itching, inflammation of the tubes, and many other problems. Google nickel allergy for more info. (The full list of materials in Essure can be found in the Files, under Group Info.) The inner coils of the devices contain PET fibers, which are polyester fibers that cause the body to produce an inflammatory response, which causes scar tissue to form & block the tubes. But once the tubes are blocked, the inflammatory response does not just shut off. It continues to attack the foreign body, resulting in a permanent state of systemic chronic inflammation. Even if you don’t have problems right away, eventually that chronic inflammation is going to take a toll. It can cause a whole slew of autoimmune disorders like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, weight gain or loss, pain, fatigue, and other issues. Google systemic chronic inflammation & see what you find. Further, the PET fibers are endocrine disruptors, which can cause other hormonal issues even though Essure claims to be non-hormonal (meaning it simply doesn’t contain reproductive hormones like birth control pills or Depo Provera.) Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects. Any hormone system within the body may be derailed by endocrine disruptors. All of the above symptoms are commonly the ones that doctors will tell you cannot be caused by Essure, because they don’t stem directly from the fallopian tubes or other reproductive organs. However, those symptoms are experienced by thousands of women with Essure on a daily basis. We are often dismissed by our doctors, pawned off to other specialists, or made to feel like we’re crazy. But if they would bother to look at the science behind it, they’d realize it’s not only possible Essure is causing these issues, it’s highly likely! Also, because these types of side effects are not always immediate or “reproductive” in nature, many women also don’t realize they could be Essure-related at first. Often, it’s a gradual accumulation of symptoms (sometimes years later) before women begin to put it together that Essure is the culprit. Then, of course, there are the immediate, obvious side effects that many of us experience. Numerous women have varying degrees of pelvic/ovarian pain, chronic bleeding, or other obvious problems that begin immediately after implantation. We have thousands of testimonials here about coils that are not positioned correctly from the get-go, coils that break, coils that migrate, coils that perforate other organs, coils that are expelled (just “fall out”), excessive bleeding, irregular periods, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pregnancy (both with and without confirmed blockage), the list is endless. These types of symptoms are usually the ones that cause us to start researching to find the root of our problems. It’s also often when many of us find this group & start piecing together all the rest of our issues. Check the Files for the exhaustive list of symptoms. Far too many radiologists are uneducated about the Essure devices and what they are supposed to look for during the confirmation HSG. The HSG should check for both location of the devices (which should include the grade of the coils) AND occlusion of the tubes. The Essure literature clearly states that Essure should NOT be used as reliable contraception if the location and occlusion are not both assessed. However, in countless cases, the radiologist evaluating the HSG only confirms occlusion, which is not by itself accurate in determining reliability. We have over 500 instances here of pregnancies after Essure, many that occurred even after confirmed blockage. There is evidence that the HSG can actually cause tubal spasm during the procedure, making the tubes appear blocked even when they’re not. A recent study showed that 1 in 10 women with Essure will become pregnant within 10 years of getting the device. Keep in mind, this list is by no means inclusive of everything, but it’s all information that I was not told before getting Essure, and it’s all information that would have kept me from having the procedure if I HAD known.
I had Essure done on July 2015. I had to wait until this month (January 2016) to have the check up due to scheduling conflicts with my job. For them to do the check up it has to be 3 months after the procedure is done and within 10 days of the last period. I am 27 years old and after having our 3rd child, me and my husband decided that we are fine with 3 and it would cause some financial hardship if we have more children so we decided to do a procedure to sterilize me. My Ob/Gyn recommended Essure and before I got it done I started investigating in the internet about it. I found a LOT of negative comments and very scary experiences that many women went through so I called my doctor and told him about that. He said that a lot of the big problems come if they are not placed correctly and he said that he does them in the local hospital and if he sees that it doesn’t look right, he does not place them. We both agreed that he will put me to sleep so that if it doesn’t look right, then he will do the tubal ligation. So the day of the procedure they put me to sleep and when I woke up he told me that everything look good and he was able to put the coils correctly. I did experience some cramping that day only. That was July 2015. October 2015 I went to the Emergency Room with extreme pelvic pain, I felt like something had exploded in that area (I can bear extreme pain, I gave birth to my 3 kids without any medication and this pelvic pain was something that I had never experienced, my body was not prepared for this incident) They did all kinds of test and a cap/scan, it turns out I had 2 cysts in my right ovary and one of them exploded. I felt somehow relieved that it was not one of the coils. So, now in January 2016, last Friday I did the follow up to have them checked and see if they closed the tissue completely. They did x-rays of the pelvic area while a liquid was being gushed down there to see if the liquid would go through, the person that performed this didn’t tell me a lot from the results, he told me I had to wait for my doctor to review it and call me. I did take a look at the x-rays they took and I could see that the right one look perfect in place but that the left one was looking different, not in the exact place where the right one was. My Ob/Gyn called me this morning and he told me what I had already thought. The right one stayed in its place, sealed completely. The left one moved a little bit to the back, still was able to seal and not even one bit of the liquid passed through. He told me I can be off my birth control pill unless my periods become very unstable and longer so I can call him and discuss using the pill to put them under control. So I guess that’s it. I haven’t experienced any pain or discomfort after having the Essure done, just the cramping the day that it was placed. I feel sorry for all the women that have experienced horrendous outcomes from it. I just only hope that years down the road these coils don’t move and cause any damage.
POSITION PAPER ON ESSURE TO RECALL ITS USE
https://medium.com/@DrVikki/essure-recall-by-the-fda-16112e9550ee
Oh my gosh is all i have to say. To discover the pro and con’s after having the essure just makes me furious. I have pelvic pains, and get sick to my stomach if and when prior to a period ( mind you this happens a whole month before) it is the most sickening thing to experience and to now find out that it may have migrated to my uterus makes me upset! i want it out and now. This should have never been put on the market.
In response to the person who wrote “You had a choice … you didn’t do your research … shame on you” …
I had mine inserted when I had a a urterine ablation in 2005. I had always had long, painful, heavy periods but I decided to have that procedure after bleeding for almost 2 years straight. My doctor, whom I trusted, said Ensure was REQUIRED with the surgery because should a fertilized egg attach to the uterine wall it could be deadly.
My choice was either that or a hysterectomy, which I could not afford financially nor that amount of time off work. Continuing with cramps and heavy bleeding 365/year…I couldn’t do it anymore. So I had both procedures.
There were complications during insertion, but I was under anesthesia. While everything in the rest of my life crumbled after that, I am fortunate to say that having Ensure has not been one of them. So far, all these years and no trouble at all.
But it was not until this year that I found out Essure was not required for an ablation after all…and I had had the same excellent doctor for a decade.
Please tell me, what was my choice? Shame on me? People who have never had problems love to make it look like others cause their own. It’s just not true, and shame on you for shaming these women.
I had the Essure placed in 2006. We have 6 children. Today, after 10 years, one coil was expelled by my body during a very heavy period. Thankfully I noticed it! I’m 51 and can’t imagine being fertile again, but if I’m still getting periods I suppose it’s possible.
Not sure if I should contact one of the lawyers who deals with these cases or the Doctor first…
I had the Essure procedure done in 2008. In 2011 I got I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and then I just recently about a year ago starting having horrible cramps on my left side like it’s my left ovary and having the worst periods of my life. I can go through a super tampon within 30 minutes but my period will be light for two days then really heavy for 3 days then light for 2 more days and then it’s done but I’m the biggest b**** and I don’t even want to be around myself I about lost my job because I’m in so much pain my whole body just aches my breasts ache everything just aches. I’m going in to see my doctor soon I know how he is going to be already because I’m going to tell him I want some kind of tests done to make sure that these are still in their proper position and if these can be causing all this pain. So the other night my boyfriend and I were having sex and he didn’t tell me then he waited till the next day and asked me if there was something if those coils can migrate and because he felt something scrape the top of his penis. And now since I have looked this up I can see that yes they can migrate and I’m curious does any has anyone ever had their boyfriend or husband tell them anything like this? No matter what I want them removed but I know it’s going to be at my expense which I don’t think it’s fair.
Wow. I really wish I had done more research. My doctor said quick, permanent birth control, no side effects. I had Essure done 3 years ago. I’m also 41, so I’m not sure if some of these things are related to my age Essure or bad luck. I started having horrible periods right after Essure and they became irregular. After a while I started having terrible pain on my left side 2 days before/after ovulating, for 3 days before my period and it only stopped for the 2 days after my period before it started again with ovulation. I started having serious problems having a BM to the point where my uterus prolapsed (started actually coming out of my vagina) while I was using the restroom. I went to the doctor the next day. My now, it was the day before I ovulated and the pressure was so horrific it was like child birth (on my rectum) for 2 straight days. I was told I need a hysterectomy ASAP my uterus collapsed backwards and is on top of my rectum. I quit eating over 2 weeks ago because the pain was so bad even laxatives stopped helping. I’m having a hysterectomy tomorrow but I feel this constant scraping feeling on my intestines and can’t help but wonder if the coils migrated to my intestines. Sorry I know this is probably TMI but I really want to know. I’m not sure the doctor cares about the cause. He feels confident the hysterectomy will fix it. I hope so, I’m very hungry.