Suffering Complications From Essure? Removal Is an Option

Family planning is an important part of any woman’s health. But what happens when the method you’ve chosen to prevent becoming pregnant causes greater issues, like pain and serious complications?

New research is raising concerns about the implanted birth control device called Essure. If you’ve already chosen Essure as your method of birth control, you’ve had a pair of coils inserted into your fallopian tubes during a nonsurgical procedure. You’re probably excited about the prospect of permanent birth control and not having to take pills.

However, the FDA has reported that the device has been linked to some serious risks. In fact, as of Dec. 31, 2018, Essure will no longer be sold or distributed in the United States. So if you’re suffering from complications due to Essure, Dr. Swainston can remove the coils for you.

Complications associated with Essure

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, women have reported painful health complications after having Essure coils implanted. One notable side effect is pain, but other complications have been reported, including:

• Menstrual irregularities
• Depression
• Vaginal bleeding
• Hemorrhaging
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Severe fatigue
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Headaches
• Rashes and hives
• Dizziness
• Short-term memory impairment
• Vomiting and nausea
• Allergic reaction to the nickel-titanium used in outer coil

Some women have reported issues with the product itself, including breakage and malfunction.

If you’re experiencing pain or other complications, it’s important to book a consultation with Dr. Swainston to discuss your concerns and the possibility of removing the coils.

Removing the Essure coils

If you’re experiencing any of the above complications or side effects, it may be in your best interest to have your Essure implant removed. In general, the device is easier to remove within the first three months after your initial procedure, and Dr. Swainston can discuss alternative birth control methods with you.

Removing the Essure coils is a relatively quick procedure. General anesthesia is administered, then Dr. Swainston creates a small hole in each of your fallopian tubes and removes the coils before closing the incisions. The entire procedure takes just an hour.

Dr. Swainston performs the removal with the help of robotics. This means you can look forward to smaller scars, a faster procedure, and quicker recovery. Many patients also report less pain after robotic surgery compared with traditional surgery.

Removing the coils does require the expertise of a gynecologic surgeon. The few risks associated with removal are minimized when you seek care from a gynecologist such as Dr. Swainston, who has the expertise needed for safe Essure removal.

Becoming pregnant after your Essure removal

Even after Dr. Swainston removes the Essure coils, you won’t regain your ability to get pregnant. If you want to conceive at a later stage, we recommend an Essure reversal.

What to expect once the coils are removed

Once you’ve undergone the Essure removal procedure, you need to recover. How long it takes you to recover can vary depending on factors such as the method of device removal and how long you had the device before the removal.

After your surgery, you might experience relief from your complications within just a few days. If you opt for a hysterectomy at the same time as having the coils removed, recovery can take several weeks.

The benefits of removing Essure coils

Naturally, the No. 1 benefit of Essure removal is that you no longer have to suffer the negative effects or complications caused by Essure implants.

If you’re suffering from complications from Essure, schedule an appointment with Dr. Swainston today to discuss the Essure removal procedure