Laura, Kendra and Gaby are patients who had the Essure procedure. These women are not paid for their participation in this interview. Each woman’s experience is unique and may vary from your experience.

How much pain did you have following the procedure?

Laura: They gave me Motrin to take so the pain was never very bad. It was like a bad cramp day. My left side hurt more, the right side was really nothing. I only took the Motrin the day of the procedure and the following day. I went to work the day after the procedure.

Kendra: I had only slight cramping (less that my period) when I woke up but had no pain the rest of the day. I did have some cramping and bloating 3 days following but I started my cycle at that time so it was normal for me.

Gaby: I felt cramping while the insertion device was inside the fallopian tube. Once the device was placed, the insertion implement was removed, the procedure was complete, and I had absolutely no cramping or pain.

What type of birth control did you use during your 3 month waiting stage?

Laura: Condoms

Kendra: I stayed on birth control pills until the HSG because I was already on them for several years.

Gaby: I chose to use condoms during the three month waiting period. It is the method that worked best for me.

Can you feel the devices inside of you?

Laura: No.

Kendra: I have no feeling of the devices at all.

Gaby: No, I am not aware of the devices at all. I frequently forget that they are there and I am reminded when an x-ray technician sees them.

Did your periods change after the procedure?

Laura: No.

Kendra: I have no change in periods since the procedure. I am very regular at age 45, but I was very regular before using birth control.

Gaby: No. My periods are exactly the same in flow, cramping and frequency.