Family Planning

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Windsor Medical Group offer various forms of contraception.

1. Intrauterine devices “Coils”

2. Laparoscopic Sterilization

3. Hysteroscopic Sterilization “Essure Sterilization”

For women who are not quite sure if their family is complete, we offer reversible contraception in the form of intrauterine devices “coils”.

Fitting of an intrauterine device or coil, such as the “Mirena” intrauterine system (a coil also beneficial in the treatment of many women with heavy periods) and copper coils, can be done in the Out-Patient setting in the majority of cases.

These are best fitted in the first half of your cycle preferable soon after your period is finished. These can usually be placed without the need for anaesthesia. They are a very effective form of contraception; most of current coils are effective for up to 5 years.

For women who are very sure that the have completed their families and wish a permanent surgical form of contraception we offer 2 methods, Laparoscopic sterilization and Hysteroscopic sterilization “Essure”.

Laparoscopic sterilization: This technique involves “key hole” surgery where the gynaecologist makes a small incision (cut) approximately 1 cm in size in the umbilicus (belly button), through which he passes a small telescope. A second smaller incision is made in the lower abdomen through which clips are placed across your fallopian tubes, in order to block them.

This technique will be performed under general anaesthesia. The vast majority of patients go home the same day as their operation a few require an overnight stay. Most patients can resume normal daily activities or work within a few days.

Although we very much promote this as a permanent, irreversible procedure, fertility may be possible by techniques such as In Vitro Fertilization IVF or Tubal re-anastomosis

Hysteroscopic Sterilization “Essure sterilization” is relatively recent technique where the gynaecologist passes a small telescope through the cervix (neck of the womb) then places insert devices within each of your fallopian tubes, to block them. This technique does not require any incisions. It is performed under general anaesthesia.

The vast majority of patients go home on the same day as their operation; a few require an overnight stay. Most patients can resume normal daily activities or work within a few days.

Although the procedure is safer and has many advantages over laparoscopic sterilization it is important to note that it will take 3 months before your tubes are completely occluded (blocked), an the sterilization is completely effective. We would therefore recommend the use another form of contraception during this period.

Your Gynaecologist will explain and organise another test at this stage called a (Hysterosalpingogram) to check your fallopian tubes are completely blocked.

It is important to realize that this technique is completely permanent and means that tubal surgery to reverse the procedure is not possible. Procedures such as In Vitro Fertilization IVF may also not be an option if future fertility is sought. It is also important to be aware that some, but not all techniques to manage heavy periods (if these become an issue at a later date) are relatively contraindicated after“Essure” sterilization. This option is also contraindicated in those women with nickel allergy.

Contraception choices should take into consideration a women’s general health, any medical conditions, and individual wishes. This is a brief summary of the contraception options our group offers. The Windsor Medical Group Consultants will be happy to discuss these options in more detail during your consultation, including the technique, advantages and disadvantages, failure rates, risks etc

For further information or to make an appointment, please contact us