What other methods of female sterilisation are available?
The EssureT pbc (permanent birth control) procedure uses a soft, small micro-insert, which is placed into each of the two Fallopian tubes. With time, body tissue grows into the device, blocking the Fallopian tubes. Blocking the tubes is intended to prevent sperm from fertilising the egg and so prevent pregnancy. This method of sterilisation is done without general anaesthetic and without cutting through the skin. A hysteroscope (a small telescope) is first inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus (womb) to locate the Fallopian tubes. An EssureT micro-insert is placed into each of the Fallopian tubes using a narrow inserter (catheter). The device is not immediately effective as contraception. Women who have had this procedure must wait at least 3 months before the device can be relied on for permanent contraception. As the EssureT pbc is one of the newest methods of sterilisation, research into its effectiveness is not as extensive as other methods of female sterilisation.
