Essure, a controversial permanent birth control device, will be discontinued in the United States by the end of this year, according to its manufacturer, Bayer. The company has cited a decline in sales and “negative media coverage” as two of the reasons behind its decision to discontinue the medical device. So far, 16,000 women have filed product liability lawsuits against Bayer after Essure has been linked with serious risks and side effects including persistent pain, perforation of the uterus and fallopian tubes and migration of the coils into the pelvis or the abdomen.
Severe Side Effects
Essure is a metal, spring-like device that is implanted into each fallopian tube. The device has two different metals – a stainless steel inner coil and a nickel titanium coil. Within three months, there is a scar tissue buildup, which forms a barrier keeping the sperm from reaching the eggs. This is typically offered as a less invasive alternative to tubal ligation. However, women who have received Essure say they have experienced a number of serious problems. They’ve required surgeries to remove the device and repair internal organs. They’ve suffered pelvic organ damage, chronic pelvic pain, nickel allergies, life-threatening ectopic pregnancies, and bleeding.
Thousands of Women Affected
KVUE news, which reported the story, talked to Austin resident Kim Garceau who said a doctor implanted the device in her body in 2007 after she and her husband decided they did not want to have more children. She said in the beginning, it was all great. Her menstrual cycle was normal and she did not experience side effects. But afterward she said something changed. She began to suffer from depression, low sex drive, heart palpitations, fainting spells and even had trouble exercising. She said she felt like something was “stabbing” her even when she was running.
Eventually Garceau learned she wasn’t alone and that thousands of women were experiencing similar symptoms after getting Essure. She also joined the Facebook page “Essure Problems” which has more than 30,000 members, many of whom are women who blame their symptoms on the Essure device inside their bodies. OB-GYNs say they have seen horrible side effects in patients from pain and bleeding to rashes. Some say they have even seen autoimmune disorders crop up as a result.
Our product defect attorneys are relieved to hear that Essure will be discontinued in the United States thanks to tens of thousands of women who have banded together on social media in the pursuit of justice. We also hope these women who have suffered life-changing consequences due to these defective devices get their day in court and receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
