How to Prepare for the Essure Procedure

The Essure procedure is a sterilization surgery usually performed in an office by a doctor approved by Essure. It does not require general anesthesia, and the patient leaves the doctor's office within 45 minutes. It involves inserting a flexible spring into the fallopian tubes. There are several things a patient can do to prepare for the Essure procedure that can aid in alleviating discomfort. Read on to learn how to prepare for the Essure procedure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Tell the doctor of any medicine allergies beforehand. A drug will be given to induce relaxation and prepare the patient for the surgery, and the doctor needs to know which drug is a good option.
2. Refrain from eating prior to the procedure. Even though it is not done under general anesthesia, nausea is still common. Rescheduling is usually necessary if the patient has eaten anything before the appointment.
3. Follow doctor's orders on medication. This includes both what to take, and what not to take. The doctor may desire that some medications be taken later in the day, after the procedure. Most of the time all regular medications may be taken prior to the surgery. Ibuprofen is also a common medication that reduces discomfort post-surgery, and is often recommended to be taken prior to the procedure to prepare the body to combat inflammation from the start.
4. Bring along a designated driver. The medication administered to relax makes driving impossible. The doctor will not allow the patient to drive themselves home. Prior to the procedure, if there is no designated driver, the surgery will be rescheduled.
5. Call the doctor if there are any concerns following the procedure. General physicians, or family doctors, don't usually have knowledge about Essure. Therefore, it is necessary to contact the doctor who performed the procedure, or their office.