It's something we all have to think about once we start having sex, and sometimes beforehand if we suffer from menstrual cramps or irregular periods. Contraception is a big part of our lives.
Health on Female First
But, what do you do when you've got the family you want?
Permanent contraception is a big decision, and not one to be taken lightly, but if you're certain about it, then why not?
Essure is an innovative form of permanent contraception which is now being made available across the country on the NHS to all women who have completed their families. It had previously only been available privately or in very limited NHS clinics.
So, how exactly does this work?
Soft, flexible inserts are placed into the fallopian tubes which then work with the body to create a natural barrier that permanently prevents sperm from reaching the egg. In clinical trials, Essure has demonstrated that it is the most effective of all permanent contraception options (including vasectomies for men) in preventing unplanned pregnancy.
Madeline Norris, a freelance artist from Birmingham had the operation in 2009 just before she turned 40, with the NHS.
She says: "The procedure was ok, but it was quite painful. It was like experiencing quite severe period pains but as soon as the actual procedure was over the pain stopped and was more like a dull ache for the next few hours. I was lucky enough to have a doctor who was very experienced at the procedure so it made me feel very relaxed knowing he was capable and knew exactly how the procedure worked."
As opposed to other forms of permanent contraception, such as sterilisation and hysterectomy, Madeline found that she was out of the hospital within a few hours and was up and about the following day.
Madeline, 42, is still very happy about her choice of having the operation: It is fantastic not having to worry about getting pregnant any more. I did take the pill when I was a young woman and I had no problems with it but really didn’t like the idea of pumping hormones round my body. It is great now, having a non hormone based contraceptive which works brilliantly and I never have to worry again."
Jeneen Millard, an Accounts Clark from Walsall Birmingham got the treatment after she came off the pill, after doctors had suspected that this was the cause of her miscarriages as the pill increases the chance of blood clotting. Once taken off the pill, she and her husband would use condoms as their chosen method of birth control.
Following the birth of her third child, who came as a surprise five years after her last, she decided she knew sterilisation was the best option for her.
"I had previously experienced a lot of miscarriages and a still birth so I wanted to know that it wouldn’t happen again and that I was in control."
Whilst the 33-year-old wasn't aware of Essure before she had a consultation, she knew it was an easy choice: "I didn’t know about the Essure procedure before I went to my appointment at the hospital. I have 3 children and a busy life style so I knew I didn’t want to have a big operation which would affect my life and my previous experiences with the pill meant I wasn’t interested in hormone based contraception. The quick process saved me time and meant I didn’t have to get extra help with childcare.
"[The procedure] benefits women who have children or a busy job who know their family is complete. You are at the hospital for 2 hours maximum, there is minimal pain involved and no surgery, so it simply is the best option for anyone wanting a safe, effective and minimally invasive method of permanent birth control."
She explains how it changed her life: "There was no worry in the back of my mind about getting pregnant again. I feel so much more relaxed and am able to enjoy my sex life without those concerns. Now I know that I will not be having any more children I can look forward to getting back to my career which is something I am really looking forward to."
Have you thought about permanent contraception?
Essure.co.uk