STERILIZATION (ESSURE)

A laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) is the traditional form of sterilization. This is an outpatient procedure that is performed at the Culpeper Surgery Center. It involves general anesthesia and the recovery time is 3-5 days.

We also offer an innovative new procedure called Essure Sterilization. This procedure is performed in our office and there is no down time associated with it. Notably, Essure is the most effective form of sterilization available.

Dr. Godfrey describes the Essure procedure as follows: “Our patients have this 10 minute procedure done in our office. They typically take some ibuprofen an hour before their arrival. During the procedure, we introduce a small scope into the uterine cavity and place small coils into the opening of the fallopian tubes. Over the next three months, the body forms scar tissue around these coils, preventing pregnancy. A follow-up x-ray is done three months later to ensure success. We have found this procedure to be greatly superior to a traditional tubal ligation performed under general anesthetic. There is essentially no recovery time, minimal discomfort during the procedure, and most patients watch me perform the procedure on the video monitor.”