Contains Nonbinding Recommendations 
 
       
Labeling for Permanent  
Hysteroscopically-Placed Tubal 
Implants Intended for Sterilization  
 
Guidance for Industry and Food and 
Drug Administration Staff 
 
 
Document issued on: October 31, 2016 
The draft of this document was issued on March 4, 2016. 
 
 
For questions about this document, contact the Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal, and 
Urological Devices at 301-796-7030.   
 
      U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 
  Food and Drug Administration 
  Center for Devices and Radiological Health 
Office of Device Evaluation 
Office of Surveillance and Biometrics  Contains Nonbinding Recommendations 
 
 
Preface 
Public Comment 
You may submit electronic comments and suggestions at any time for Agency consideration to 
http://www.regulations.gov . Submit written comments to the Division of Dockets Management, 
Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, (HFA-305), Rockville, MD 
20852. Identify all comments with the docket number FDA-2015-D-4803. Comments may not be 
acted upon by the Agency until the document is next revised or updated. 
Additional Copies 
Additional copies are available from the Internet.  You may also send an e-mail request to 
CDRH-Guidance@fda.hhs.gov to receive a copy of the guidance.  Please use the document 
number 1500051 to identify the guidance you are requesting. 
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Table of Contents
 
I.  INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................4
II.  BACKGROUND...................................................................................................................4
III.  SCOPE...................................................................................................................................6
IV.  LABELING COMPONENTS ..............................................................................................6
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Labeling for Permanent  
Hysteroscopically-Placed Tubal 
Implants Intended for Sterilization 
 
Guidance for Industry and 
Food and Drug Administration Staff 
This guidance represents the current thinking of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA 
or Agency) on this topic.  It does not establish any rights for any person and is not binding 
on FDA or the public.  You can use an alternative approach if it satisfies the requirements 
of the applicable statutes and regulations.  To discuss an alternative approach, contact the 
FDA staff or Office responsible for this guidance as listed on the title page. 
I.  Introduction 
This guidance identifies the content and format for certain labeling components for 
permanent, hysteroscopically-placed tubal implant devices intended for female sterilization.  
FDA believes this guidance will help to ensure that a woman receives and understands 
information regarding the benefits and risks of this type of device prior to undergoing 
implantation.   
FDA's guidance documents, including this guidance, do not establish legally enforceable 
responsibilities.  Instead, guidances describe FDA's current thinking on a topic and should be 
viewed only as recommendations, unless specific regulatory or statutory requirements are cited.  
The use of the word should in Agency guidances means that something is suggested or 
recommended, but not required. 
II.  Background 
Female sterilization is an elective procedure that permanently prevents a woman from becoming 
pregnant by disrupting the fallopian tubes and preventing fertilization of an egg following 
ovulation.  As sterilization is intended to be an irreversible procedure, it is appropriate only for 
women who are certain that they wish to permanently end their ability to conceive naturally. 
Female sterilization is one of the most common procedures in the United States, with more than 
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500,000 performed per year.1  The procedure may be performed immediately following delivery 
of an infant (post-partum sterilization) or at a time not associated with a recent pregnancy 
(interval sterilization).  For decades, female sterilization has been performed by surgical 
bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) through a laparotomy, a mini-laparotomy, a transvaginal approach 
or at the time of a cesarean delivery, and, more recently, via laparoscopy.  During surgical BTL, 
the fallopian tubes are cut, or various procedures or medical instruments, such as electrosurgical 
coagulation, implantable clips or rings, are used to physically block or close the fallopian tubes.  
Surgical BTL is effective immediately, is generally safe, requires little to no patient compliance, 
and is a highly effective method of permanent sterilization.  However, there are certain risks of 
surgical BTL, including, but not limited to, adverse events related to general anesthesia, 
possible physical injury to local organs (e.g., bowel), and bleeding.  Some of these adverse 
events, although uncommon, may result in hospitalization and/or re-operation.2   
In addition to surgical BTL, medical devices have been developed to provide alternative, less-
invasive methods of female sterilization through the insertion of permanent implants into a 
womans fallopian tubes via a hysteroscopic, non-incisional route.  The inserted permanent 
implants are intended to provide sterilization via physical occlusion and/or the elicitation of a 
local inflammatory/fibrotic response.  This type of device may require a waiting period in 
order to accomplish full occlusion.  As the number of hysteroscopic sterilizations with such 
devices has increased, additional information, including reports of adverse events, has 
accumulated.  This information has included reports of suspected hypersensitivity reactions to 
the implant materials, persistent pain, irregular vaginal bleeding, fallopian tube or uterine 
perforation, the identification of inserts in the pelvic cavity, and unintended pregnancy.  Some 
instances of adverse events have resulted in surgical intervention, including device removal.  
On September 24, 2015, FDA convened its Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices Panel of the 
Medical Devices Advisory Committee to discuss available data regarding benefits, the 
aforementioned risks, and potential mitigation strategies to prevent or reduce the 
frequency/severity of the adverse outcomes reported in association with one such device, the 
Essure System for Permanent Birth Control.3   
Based on the 2015 Panel meeting, including comments made during the Open Public Hearing 
portion of the meeting and comments submitted in the associated public docket,4 FDA believes 
that some women are not receiving or understanding information regarding the risks and benefits 
of permanent, hysteroscopically-placed tubal implants that are intended for sterilization.  
This guidance addresses these concerns by identifying labeling components, namely a boxed 
warning and patient decision checklist, which FDA intends to require as part of the labeling for 
these devices. FDA believes this will help to ensure a woman receives and understands the benefits 
                                                 
1 Chan LM, Westhoff CL. Tubal sterilization trends in the United States. Fertility and Sterility, 2010; 94(1): 1-6.   
2 Jamieson DJ, Hillis SD, Duerr A et al. (2000) Complications of interval laparoscopic tubal sterilization: Findings 
from the United States Collaborative Review of Sterilization.  Obstet & Gynecol 96(6): 997-1002. 
3 For more information and meeting materials, see 
http://www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/MedicalDevices/MedicalDevicesAdvisory
Committee/ObstetricsandGynecologyDevices/ucm463457.htm. 
4  See id. 
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and risks associated with her contraceptive options so that she can make an informed decision as to 
whether a permanent hysteroscopically-placed tubal implant intended for sterilization is the right 
choice for her.  
 
III.  Scope 
This guidance identifies the content and format of certain labeling components for permanent, 
hysteroscopically-placed tubal implants that are intended for sterilization.  The guidance applies 
to all devices of this type, regardless of the insert material composition, location of intended 
implantation, or exact method of delivery.  Medical devices used during surgical BTL 
procedures (e.g., cautery devices, rings, clips) are outside the scope of this guidance. 
The guidance is not intended to include a complete listing of all labeling components for 
permanent, hysteroscopically-placed tubal implants intended for sterilization.  Rather, this 
guidance specifically focuses on inclusion of a boxed warning and patient decision checklist in 
the product labeling.  Accurate product labeling and effective messaging of that labeling is 
important to make device users and patients aware of the risks associated with permanent, 
hysteroscopically-placed tubal implants intended for sterilization.  FDA believes that a boxed 
warning and a patient decision checklist as described in this guidance should be included in 
labeling under sections 502(a), 201(n), and 502(f)(2) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
Act (FD&C Act).  FDA intends to require such labeling as part of a premarket approval 
application (PMA) for permanent hysteroscopically-placed tubal implants intended for 
sterilization (or a PMA supplement for already marketed devices). This guidance should be used 
as a complement to FDAs, Guidance on Medical Device Patient Labeling (which describes 
FDAs current thinking on making medical device patient labeling understandable to and usable 
by patients), existing regulations, and other relevant guidance documents containing additional 
labeling recommendations.5   
IV.  Labeling Components 
This section contains the content and format FDA believes should be included in a boxed 
warning and patient decision checklist in the product labeling of permanent, hysteroscopically-
placed tubal implants intended for sterilization.  The specific examples referenced in the 
appendices are written to address the currently marketed device of this type. 
A. Boxed Warning 
                                                 
5 We note that a device is misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading in any particular (section 502(a) of the 
FD&C Act) or, if applicable, its labeling does not provide adequate warnings (section 502(f)(2) of the FD&C Act). 
Under section 301(a) of the FD&C Act, it is a prohibited act to introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate 
commerce any device that is misbranded. 
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FDA believes that a boxed warning should be part of labeling for a permanent, 
hysteroscopically-placed tubal implant for sterilization and should: 
  Note the types of significant and/or common adverse events that may be associated with 
the device and its insertion, use, and/or removal procedure, including those noted in 
clinical trials, as well as those reported in other device use experience. 
  Include a statement noting that these risks should be conveyed to the patient during the 
decision-making process. 
An example of a boxed warning that follows this guidance is provided in Appendix A. 
B.  Patient Decision Checklist 
In addition to the boxed warning, FDA also believes that a patient decision checklist 
highlighting key risk and benefit information should be included at the end of the document.  
The checklist is intended to be reviewed and signed by the patient and physician, and should 
be printed in a fashion where it can be easily separated and marked.  
The introduction for the checklist should include a description of the purpose and importance 
of the checklist, as well as instructions to the patient on how to review and complete the 
document prior to deciding whether to undergo the permanent implant procedure. 
The body of the checklist should include key items related to the device, its use, and its safety 
and effectiveness.  Items that should be addressed include the following: 
  Notification of the permanent (and if applicable, irreversible) nature of sterilization in 
general, and the implant more specifically;  
  recognition of available alternative contraceptive modalities and their safety and 
effectiveness; 
  situations in which the device should not be used or implanted (e.g., contraindications); 
  steps, if any, that need to be followed before the implant can be relied upon for 
contraception, and the importance of compliance with those steps; 
  information on effectiveness and chances for unintended pregnancy and ectopic 
pregnancy, including a statement that no contraceptive device is 100% effective; 
  significant and/or common adverse events, including patient-reported outcomes, which 
may occur during or immediately following device placement; 
  clinically significant longer-term adverse events or outcomes that have been reported in 
clinical trials or via other device use experience  including significant events that may 
persist from the time of implantation and those that may appear for the first time later 
after implantation; 
  a brief discussion of the types of signs, symptoms or events that may represent device-
related complications for which the patient should seek prompt evaluation; 
  a disclosure of the device materials and any risks that may be associated with them, 
including allergy/hypersensitivity and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) safety 
information, if applicable; and 
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  information related to device removal and/or reversal (e.g., reasons for removal, 
techniques, outcomes). 
Where applicable, and if known (e.g., based on clinical trial results), probabilities or rates of 
events should be included within the individual checklist items.  The source of the 
probabilities or rates of events should be identified. 
Each topic grouping in the body of the checklist (e.g., items related to birth control options, 
items related to long-term risks of the device) should be accompanied by a line for the patient 
to initial her acknowledgment and understanding of that information.  
At the end, the checklist should include a section that confirms that the patient has read and 
understood the material and has had the opportunity to satisfactorily discuss and ask questions 
of her physician.  This should be followed by a signature line for the patient.  At the end of the 
checklist there should also be a section that confirms that the physician discussed the benefits 
and risks of the device, as set forth in the patient decision checklist, with the patient.  This 
should be followed by a signature line for the physician.   
The FDA recommends that a copy of the patient decision checklist be provided to the patient.  
The FDA also encourages device manufacturers to develop a plan to audit (and if appropriate, 
institute steps to improve) the distribution and signing of the checklists as a component of the 
patient decision-making process, and to periodically update the checklist as additional data is 
collected with post-market experience. 
Appendix B provides an example of a Patient Decision Checklist that follows this guidance.  
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Appendix A: Boxed Warning Example 
 
 
WARNING: Some patients implanted with the Essure System for 
 
 Permanent Birth Control have experienced and/or reported adverse events, 
 including perforation of the uterus and/or fallopian tubes, identification of 
 
inserts in the abdominal or pelvic cavity, persistent pain, and suspected 
 
allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. If the device needs to be removed to 
 
address such an adverse event, a surgical procedure will be required. This 
 
 information should be shared with patients considering sterilization with the 
 Essure System for Permanent Birth Control during discussion of the 
 
benefits and risks of the device.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Appendix B: Patient Decision Checklist Example 
To the patient considering the Essure System for Permanent Birth Control (Essure):   
The review and completion of this document is a critical step in helping you decide whether or 
not to have Essure implanted.  You should carefully consider the benefits and risks associated 
with the device before you make that decision.  After reviewing the information in this brochure, 
please read and discuss the items in this checklist with your doctor.  You should not initial or 
sign the document, and should not undergo the procedure, if you do not understand each of the 
elements listed below.    
_______________________________________________________________________     
Birth Control Options 
I understand that Essure is a permanent form of birth control (referred to as sterilization). I 
understand that sterilization must be considered permanent and not reversible.           
I was told about other permanent sterilization procedures, such as surgical bilateral tubal ligation 
(getting tubes tied), and their benefits and risks.   
I am aware that there are highly effective methods of birth control which are not permanent and 
which may allow me to become pregnant when stopped.       
                  Patient Initials ______  
Requirements for Essure Placement and Reliance 
I understand that I am not a candidate for Essure if: 
  I am uncertain about ending my fertility. 
  I have had a tubal ligation procedure (tubes tied). 
  I cannot have two inserts placed due to my anatomy. 
  I am pregnant or suspect that I may be pregnant. 
  I have delivered or terminated a pregnancy within the last 6 weeks. 
  I have had a pelvic infection within six weeks prior to the date of the  
scheduled implantation. 
  I have a known allergy to contrast dye used during x-ray procedures. 
 
Essure works as intended only when the devices are successfully placed in both fallopian tubes. I 
understand that if this is not possible in my case, I may need to undergo a repeat attempt at 
Essure placement or consider a different form of birth control.   
I understand that the placement procedure is only the first step in relying on Essure for birth 
control.  After placement I must:  
  Use an alternative form of birth control until my doctor tells me I can stop (typically for 3 
months). 
  Schedule and undergo a confirmation test after three months to determine whether I may 
rely on Essure.  I understand that payment for this test may or may not be covered by my 
insurance company.  
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I understand that a satisfactory confirmation test is needed before I can rely on Essure alone. I 
also understand that after the confirmation test my doctor may inform me that I may not be able 
to rely on Essure.  If this occurs, I will have to use an alternative form of contraception.   
I understand that based on clinical studies, approximately 8% of women who undergo attempts at 
Essure placement are not able to rely on the device for contraception. 
                  Patient Initials ______ 
Pregnancy Risks 
I understand that no form of birth control is 100% effective. Even if my doctor tells me I am able 
to rely on Essure, there is still a small chance that I may become pregnant.  Based on clinical 
studies, the chance of unintended pregnancy for women who have been told they can rely on 
Essure is less than 1% at 5 years.               
I understand that the risks of Essure on a developing fetus have not been established.  If I 
become pregnant with Essure, there may be an increased risk for the pregnancy to occur outside 
of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). This may result in serious and even life-threatening 
complications.  I understand that after Essure placement, I should contact my doctor immediately 
if I think I may be pregnant. 
                  Patient Initials ______ 
What to Expect During the Procedure and the Days Afterwards 
I understand that in clinical studies supporting device approval, the following events were 
reported to occur during the Essure placement procedure and/or in the hours or days following 
placement: 
  Cramping (Reported in up to 30% of procedures) 
  Mild to moderate pain (Up to 9-10%) or moderate pain (Up to 13%) 
  Nausea/Vomiting (Up to 11%) 
  Dizziness/Lightheadedness (Up to 9%) 
  Vaginal bleeding (Up to 7%) 
If I experience worsening of any of the events listed above or I continue to have the symptoms 1 
week after placement, I understand that I should contact my doctor. 
                  Patient Initials ______ 
Long-Term Risks 
I understand that some women may experience continued pain or develop new pain after Essure 
placement. I understand that I should contact my doctor if abdominal, pelvic or back pain 
continues for more than 1 week after placement or if I develop the onset of new pain more than 1 
week after placement.  
I understand that the Essure implants contain metals including nickel, titanium, iron, chromium,  
and tin, as well as a material called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). I understand  
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that some women may develop allergic reactions to the device following implantation and have 
signs or symptoms such as rash and itching. This may occur even if there is no prior history of 
sensitivity to those materials.  I also understand that there is no reliable test to predict ahead of 
time who may develop a reaction to the device. 
I understand that persistent or new pain, and/or allergic reaction may be a sign of an Essure-
related problem which might require further evaluation and treatment, including possibly the 
need to have the devices removed by surgery.  
I recognize that other symptoms have been reported to FDA by women implanted with Essure, 
although they were not seen in the clinical trials supporting Essure approval. The more common 
symptoms reported include headache, fatigue, weight changes, hair loss and mood changes such 
as depression. It is unknown if these symptoms are related to Essure or not. 
I understand that because Essure contains metals, I should tell all my doctors that I have the 
device before getting an MRI. 
I understand that there is a small possibility that the device could poke through the wall of the 
uterus or fallopian tubes (perforation), and/or move to other locations in the abdomen or pelvis 
(migration).  The rate of perforation in studies has ranged from 1% to 4%.  The rate for device 
migration into the abdomen or pelvis has not been determined but its occurrence is uncommon. 
I understand that should one of these events occur, the device may become ineffective in 
preventing pregnancy and may lead to serious adverse events such as bleeding or bowel damage, 
which may require surgery to address.  
I understand that should my doctor and I decide that Essure should be removed after placement, 
a surgical procedure will be required.  In complicated cases, my doctor may recommend a 
hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus).  I also understand that device removal may not be 
covered by my insurance company.   
                  Patient Initials ______ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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      CONFIRMATION OF DISCUSSION OF RISKS 
Patient:  I acknowledge that I have received and read the Essure Patient Information Brochure, 
and that I have had time to discuss the items in it and in this document with my doctor.  I have 
had the opportunity to ask questions and understand the benefits and risks of the device and 
procedure, and understand that alternative methods of birth control are available. 
 
______________________________               
Patient Signature and Date    
 
Physician: I acknowledge that I have discussed with the patient the benefits and risks of Essure 
as described in the Essure System Patient Information Brochure as well as this document.  I have 
also explained the benefits and risks of other birth control methods.  Should device removal 
become necessary, I may perform the removal myself, or provide a referral to a physician who is 
willing and able to perform device removals.  I have encouraged the patient to ask questions, and 
I have addressed all questions. 
______________________________ 
Physician Signature and Date 
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