Female sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception done using a simple procedure known as the Essure method. Compared to more traditional methods, this type of sterilisation is more reliable and better for your body.

When using the Essure method to sterilise a woman, the gynaecologist inserts very small coils into the Fallopian tubes via the vagina and the uterus. You won’t have any scars, because no cut is made in the skin.

Essure sterilisation is different to other methods. In these other methods, the Fallopian tubes are burnt through (cautery) or constricted with a small clip or band. In contrast to the Essure, these operations have to be done under general anaesthetic or sedation. During the Essure procedure, you don’t need to be sedated or even have a local anaesthetic. And you can get straight back to your daily activities afterwards.

The whole operation takes no longer than 10 minutes. After a straightforward check-up 3 months later, you can stop using any other contraception.

If an Essure sterilisation has been carried out properly, there’s absolutely no risk of pregnancy occurring afterwards, whatever the age of the woman. With any other form of female sterilisation there are still 5-7 pregnancies per 1000 sterilisations. Patient satisfaction is also very high: 99% would recommend this method to other women.