A summary of reported pregnancies after hysteroscopic sterilization

J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2007 May-Jun;14(3):271-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2006.11.007.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe 64 unintended pregnancies reported by patients who had undergone hysteroscopic sterilization and to provide recommendations for avoiding post-procedure pregnancies. Sixty-four pregnancies out of an estimated 50,000 procedures were reported to the device manufacturer from 1997 through December 2005. Most occurred in patients without appropriate follow-up. Other causes included misread hysterosalpingograms, undetected preprocedure pregnancies, and failure to follow product-labeling guidelines. The risk of pregnancy with hysteroscopic sterilization may be reduced by educating patients about the necessity of follow-up, ensuring that patients use effective contraception before and after placement, following the instructions for use, and adhering to the hysterosalpingography protocol.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterosalpingography
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Unplanned*
  • Sterilization, Reproductive / methods
  • Sterilization, Tubal / adverse effects*
  • Sterilization, Tubal / methods