HEALTH SERVICES

Sterilization Services

Essure®

The newest incision-free female sterilization procedure. The hormone-free procedure is minimally invasive, highly effective, and covered by the state Family PACT program.

Essure® is a permanent birth control procedure that works with your body to create a natural barrier against pregnancy. This gentle procedure can be performed in a doctor's office in less than an hour.

The benefits of Essure® over traditional tubal ligationsterilization

It's safer.
No cutting or burning.
No visible scarring.
No going under general anesthesia.
No trip to the hospital for surgery (can be done at the Orange Health Center).
Short procedure time.

Comparing Essure® to tubal ligation

	Essure®	Tubal Ligation
How Is The Procedure Performed?	A soft, flexible micro-insert is delivered through the vagina and uterus and placed into each fallopian tube. Tissue grows into the micro-insert (usually over 3 months) and forms a natural barrier so the sperm cannot reach the egg.	Usually performed as a laparoscopic procedure, under general anesthesia. Gas is used to expand the abdomen so surgical tools can be inserted. The fallopian tubes are blocked by one of these methods: Clamping with metal clips or plastic rings Cutting away a section of the tube Burning a portion of the tube The clamps, rings, or clips remain in the body. Stitches or staples are used to close the cuts.
Effectiveness	99.95% at 1 year 99.80% at 4 years	99.45% at 1 year 98.82% at 4 years 98.15% at 10 years
Where performed?	At the Orange Medical Center	In hospital
Procedure time	13 minutes	30 - 45 minutes
Recovery time	1 - 2 days or sooner	4 - 6 days
Post-procedure pain/discomfort	Cramps Discharge	Cramps Discharge Pain at the wound Bloated abdomen and/or sharp pains in the neck or shoulder (due to gas used) Bruising around the wound Feeling tired and achy
Reliance and Test	Reliance can begin at 3 months when the Essure ® confirmation test confirms placement and blockage of the tubes.	Immediate/no test to confirm success

For more information please download the Essure ® information pamphlet or watch the Essure ® video.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a safe, effective, permanent form of birth control for men. During a minor surgical operation, the vas deferens (the tubes in which sperm travel to the penis) are closed off.

Ejaculation is not disrupted, but semen contains no sperm so pregnancy can't happen.

Vasectomy procedures are performed on site at a Planned Parenthood medical center, including counseling before the procedure, the procedure itself, and semen evaluation after the procedure.

Many health insurance plans cover vasectomy services, and services are available at low cost to men who are uninsured or under-insured.