Essure is a permanent birth control device manufactured by Bayer HealthCare. The device works with a woman’s body to permanently prevent pregnancy. When Essure was first placed on the market it was considered an innovative contraceptive device for women who had chosen permanent sterilization.

However, the FDA has received several reports regarding serious Essure birth control side effects over the years, from women who have been implanted with the permanent contraceptive device.

Essure birth control side effects may include bloating, rashes, allergic reactions, excessive bleeding, organ perforation, pelvic pain, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Allegations against the manufacturers of Essure claim that women were not informed of these purported side effects before having the device implanted.

Essure Birth Control Device

The Essure contraceptive device is a non-hormonal permanent form of birth control. Although currently now owned by Bayer, it was originally manufactured by a company called Conceptus.

The Essure contraceptive device is made up of two coils comprised of metal and polyester that a medical professional implants on a woman’s fallopian tubes. After a few months, tissue from the body begins surrounding the metal coils effectively blocking contraception. Women are usually evaluated three months after the procedure to assure that the procedure has worked and that they are no longer able to conceive.

Essure Birth Control Side Effects

Since its approval in November 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received thousands of adverse event reports.  Since Essure’s FDA approval date on Nov. 4, 2002, through Dec. 31, 2016, the FDA has received approximately 14,919 medical device reports related to Essure.

The FDA states that in the reports, the following patient problems were reported: 10,746 patient problems were due to pain/abdominal pain; 5,377 were due to heavier menses/menstrual irregularities; 4,396 were due to headaches; 3,560 were due to fatigue, and 3,270 were due to weight fluctuations.

Some of the most frequently occurring issues with the device include: 2,402 patient reports for device incompatibility; 1,485 reports regarding the migration of the device; 663 reports of the device operating differently than expected; 617 reports of device breakage; 304 reports of the device being difficult to remove; 261 reports regarding malposition of the device; and 257 reports of the device being difficult to insert.

Additionally, the FDA received 1,077 reports of pregnancies occurring in women who had been implanted with Essure. Some of the women cited incidences of multiple pregnancies.

Essure is currently the only non-surgical method or procedure for women who want permanent birth control.

Essure birth control side effects lawsuits have been filed against Bayer, alleging the manufacturer inaccurately represented the efficacy and safety of the medical device.  Plaintiffs from these lawsuits are challenging the premarket approval of Essure, which Plaintiffs assert is protecting Bayer from alleged product liability claims.

These plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages for their pain and suffering along with compensation for their medical expenses. Women who believe they have suffered from Essure birth control side effects may be able to seek legal recourse from the manufacturer. A legal professional can advise potential plaintiffs on the validity of their claims.