What's new in birth control
There are so many birth control options to consider today. Which one is right for you?
By Rhea Seymour
Essure permanent birth control
This non-surgical method of sterilization is low profile yet has been available in Canada since 2002. It’s an alternative to tubal ligation (a.k.a. “having your tubes tied”) and involves blocking the Fallopian tubes. While a tubal ligation requires a general anesthetic, surgery and a two- to three-day recovery, the insertion of an Essure device is an outpatient procedure done with minimal sedation. It’s even more effective for preventing pregnancy (0.17 percent five-year failure rate, compared to one to two percent for tubal ligation).
What’s involved: A gynecologist trained in the procedure places a tiny camera into the vagina and uterus to position a soft flexible nickel and polyester insert into each Fallopian tube. Anesthesia is not required but oral pain relief may be offered beforehand. The procedure takes five minutes and patients are back to their normal activities the next day. “We usually tell people to go home that day. Some women experience a bit of cramping afterwards,” says Dr. John Thiel, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Saskatchewan and the pioneer of Essure in Canada. Women will continue to get their period afterwards and must use a backup method of birth control for three months until an ultrasound confirms the procedure was successful.
How it works: The polyester is surrounded by a metal coil; while the coil holds it in place, the poly-ester core causes the body to grow a scar that blocks the Fallopian tube and forms a natural barrier, keeping sperm from reaching the egg.
Who it’s best for: Women who are finished having kids, or who are positive they never want them.
When to avoid it: “It’s not reversible, so we really want to make sure women who choose this option are done having kids,” says Thiel.
Where it’s available: Everywhere in Canada except P.E.I., where there aren’t any doctors trained in the procedure. “Uptake has been slow,” says Thiel, “but it’s starting to gain some traction.” The cost of about $1,000 is covered by public health care in some provinces. Check with your doctor.
What’s involved: A gynecologist trained in the procedure places a tiny camera into the vagina and uterus to position a soft flexible nickel and polyester insert into each Fallopian tube. Anesthesia is not required but oral pain relief may be offered beforehand. The procedure takes five minutes and patients are back to their normal activities the next day. “We usually tell people to go home that day. Some women experience a bit of cramping afterwards,” says Dr. John Thiel, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Saskatchewan and the pioneer of Essure in Canada. Women will continue to get their period afterwards and must use a backup method of birth control for three months until an ultrasound confirms the procedure was successful.
How it works: The polyester is surrounded by a metal coil; while the coil holds it in place, the poly-ester core causes the body to grow a scar that blocks the Fallopian tube and forms a natural barrier, keeping sperm from reaching the egg.
Who it’s best for: Women who are finished having kids, or who are positive they never want them.
When to avoid it: “It’s not reversible, so we really want to make sure women who choose this option are done having kids,” says Thiel.
Where it’s available: Everywhere in Canada except P.E.I., where there aren’t any doctors trained in the procedure. “Uptake has been slow,” says Thiel, “but it’s starting to gain some traction.” The cost of about $1,000 is covered by public health care in some provinces. Check with your doctor.
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