A: Dr. Margaret Griffith and I (Dr. Joe Chang) at the Southwest Medical Group OB/GYN Associates are certified to offer a procedure for a new form of permanent contraceptive called Adiana. Unlike temporary methods of birth control such as birth control pills, diaphragms, condoms and spermicides, the Adiana procedure is permanent. And because there are no incisions and no general anesthesia, the procedure avoids the risks and discomforts of more invasive surgical procedures.

I recommend that you talk to your physician, Dr. Griffith or myself about Adiana if you are considering a permanent contraceptive procedure for the following reasons:

• It's permanent. Once your doctor confirms that your fallopian tubes are completely blocked you will no longer have to rely on a temporary method of birth control.
• No incisions. It works by stimulating your body's own tissue to grow in and around tiny, soft inserts that are placed inside your fallopian tubes. The inserts are made of medical-grade silicone, a material long known to be safe in the human body.
• It's effective. Adiana Permanent Contraception is 98.4% effective in preventing pregnancy once your doctor confirms that your fallopian tubes are completely blocked. No method is 100% effective.
• It's comfortable. The majority of patients require no pain medicine after the procedure.
• It's convenient. Most patients are able to resume all normal activities within 24 hours!

There are instances where you cannot have the procedure, including if you:

• Have already had a tubal ligation ("had your tubes tied").
• Are taking immunosuppressive medicines.
• Have an allergy to contrast fluid (the fluid used in the 3-month Adiana Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) Confirmation Test).
• Have something abnormal about your uterus that could prevent us from performing the procedure.
• Have any personal doubts about ending your fertility.