What are the risks of the new procedure using micro-inserts?
Dr. Rudo: Like a traditional tubal ligation, you may experience menstrual-like cramps and discharge, mild nausea or vomiting, fainting or lightheadedness. Regarding the micro-inserts themselves, 14% of women did not have the micro-inserts successfully placed in the fallopian tubes during the first attempt; 3% of women in whom the micro-inserts were successfully placed could not rely on the micro-inserts for birth control, either because the devices weren’t positioned correctly or tissue failed to block the fallopian tubes; and 1.8% of women had tubal perforations related to placement of the micro-inserts. There is also the risk of infection and the risk associated with anesthesia. Like a tubal ligation, ectopic pregnancy occurs more often in women who conceive following a sterilization procedure.
