Bayer HealthCare is facing a new Essure lawsuit from a woman who suffered serious complications from using the company’s permanent female sterilization device.

According to the claim, the woman experienced severe side effects of Essure procedure soon after having the device implanted and is filing legal action against the company for failure to warn.

California plaintiff Misty S. discussed having the Essure birth control implanted with her healthcare providers. Her doctor recommended the Essure birth control over traditional tubal ligation, stating it was a much less invasive procedure and requires short recovery time.

Misty also discussed the side effects of Essure procedure, none of which were what she experienced after having the device implanted.

After deciding to have the permanent birth control device implanted, Misty underwent an Essure birth control implantation procedure on November 1, 2005.

However beginning in April 2006, Misty had began experiencing serious side effects of Essure procedure including severe menstrual pain, abnormal heavy bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, lower abdominal pain, cramping, severe back pain and vaginal discharge.

While suffering from these side effects of Essure procedure, Misty began seeking medical attention for her symptoms. On January 1, 2015, Misty became aware of the complications associated with the Essure device after reading online reviews from other women who suffered similar complications.

Prior to reading the online articles and reviews, Misty did not have any awareness or knowledge of the side effects of Essure procedure.

Overview of Essure Birth Control Complications

The Essure birth control device was approved by the FDA in 2002, and was originally manufactured by Conceptus Inc. Since Bayer HealthCare acquired the rights to the Essure birth control, the company has made millions due to the product’s success.

The Essure birth control device is the only non surgical method of female sterilization method available in the United States, and has become highly preferred over tubal ligation.

The device consists of two metal coils, which are directly implanted into each fallopian tube and signals the tissue to swell.

This ultimately blocks sperm to egg fertilization, offering a convenient and non-invasive method of female sterilization. However women have recently reported experiencing serious side effects of Essure procedure including the complications Misty suffered.

Bayer HealthCare argues that Essure birth control is perfectly safe and works as advertised, as long as the coils are properly placed. However Misty argues she was never warned of the Essure complications she suffered, and that she never would have agreed to use the product if she had known the risks.

The Essure Lawsuit is Case No. 2:16-cv-01743, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.