The Essure birth control device may cause more problems in certain women than it solves, according to critics.

The Essure birth control device is a permanent birth control method that is an alternative to surgical sterilization. The permanent birth control device was approved by the FDA in 2002.

The Essure birth control device consists of two metal coils that are inserted into the woman’s fallopian tubes. The body responds to the coils by producing an inflammatory reaction, and tissue begins to grow around the coils.

After approximately three months, the tissue grows so much that it blocks the fallopian tubes. When the Fallopian tubes are completely blocked, the sperm cannot fertilize the egg, thus preventing conception.

Many women were excited to learn of the medical device from their OB/GYN, and opted for an in-office procedure to allow them to receive permanent birth control without having to worry about a hospital stay and potential complications from surgery.

However, many women soon found out that the Essure birth control device was not the perfect answer to their contracceptive needs, as for some women, the complications they suffered were very serious.

Side Effects of the Essure Birth Control Device

More and more women continue to come forth regarding the side effects they have suffered as a result of the implantation of the Essure birth control device. Some of these complications include:

• Headache
• Severe pelvic pain
• Allergic reaction to metal components
• Nausea
• Irregular bleeding
• Flu-like symptoms
• Muscle weakness
• Joint pain
• Autoimmune conditions
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Stillborn birth
• Fetal death

Sadly, despite claims that Essure was over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, some women ended up with unintended pregnancies that involved serious complications. Still other women suffered the stillborn birth of a child, and others experienced the death of their fetus.

Women experiencing serious problems as result of their Essure birth control device have attempted to get the device removed, but Essure removal presents problems of its own.

Because it was intended to be a permanently placed device, there are not clear guidelines on how to carefully remove the device while keeping the patient safe from further complications. Many doctors choose not to remove the device when they are asked by their patients.

Other women have had to undergo full hysterectomies in order to gain some relief from the problems brought forth by the Essure birth control device. However, because of a full hysterectomy, women undergo the symptoms of premature menopause. This presents many other problems of its own.

In the last year, the FDA has stepped up its efforts to consider the safety of the Essure birth control device. However, women who have suffered from severe complications feel that the agency’s actions are not enough to address the problems experienced by Essure users.

The FDA has required a black box warning on the label on Essure permanent birth control devices and it has also required that the manufacturer undergo additional testing to prove the safety and efficacy of its device as compared to permanent birth control using surgical sterilization.

Lawsuits Over Essure Birth Control Device Complications

A number of individual and group lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer of the Essure birth control device alleging that is defective and caused serious personal injuries.

Plaintiffs in these lawsuits hope to hold the manufacturer accountable for its products, and many hope the product will ultimately be recalled so that other women do not have to face the problems reported by many who have been injured.

If you have experienced injuries as a result of the Essure birth control device, you may be eligible to take legal action to recover costs related to medical bills, pain, suffering, loss of earnings and more. An experienced Essure attorney can review your case at no charge and can help you decide if taking legal action is right for you.