Essure –Post Procedure Instructions

Activity

You will require rest for the first day, with full activity resuming within 2 to 4 days. Be sensible and increase your activities as you feel up to it. You may return to work when physically able, generally within 2 days. You may have sex after any bleeding stops, but not sooner than 5 days after surgery. You may take a shower and wash your hair when desired; bathes are acceptable within a few days.

Diet / Bowel Activity

You may be nauseated on the day of your procedure, so liquids and bland food may suit you best once you get home, until the nausea improves. After that, you may resume your normal diet. Constipation is best avoided. If you have difficulty, drink more water, exercise more and add fiber to your diet. Metamucil or other over the counter fiber supplements may also help. Remember that narcotic pain relievers and inactivity slow bowel function.

Vaginal Discharge

After Essure there is frequently a vaginal discharge and/or spotting that will last up to 2 weeks. This is normal and part of the healing process. If it is more than a normal period, call your doctor for further instructions; otherwise, use a pad rather than a tampon. Douching is not generally recommended, and never should be done within 4 weeks of surgery.

Pain

You will be given a prescription for pain medicine. Mild to moderate cramping may be anticipated.

Birth Control

Please continue your current method of birth control. If you are on the pill, continue taking it as before surgery. If you are going onto the pill after surgery, your doctor will tell you when and how to start it. It is very important that you use a reliable method of birth control until after the Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is performed to confirm that your tubes are both blocked. The HSG is done about 90 days from the date of your procedure.