Thousands of women have opted for Essure because it is a non-surgical, permanent form of birth control that their doctor could implant during an office visit. With no down time, women could return to their busy lives without interruption.

But if you have suffered severe side effects from Essure permanent birth control, you could benefit from speaking with an Essure lawyer.

Essure consists of two flexible coils made of metal and plastic that are inserted into each fallopian tube via the vagina. The spiky coils are designed to spur the production of scar tissue, allowing a “natural” barrier between eggs and sperm.

Essure emits no hormones, which means an alternative form of birth control must be used until a doctor confirms around three months post-procedure that the coils have generated an adequate amount of scar tissue to prevent pregnancy.

Reasons to Turn to an Essure Lawyer

The FDA approved Essure in 2002 through its fast track method, which is usually reserved for medical devices that are substantially similar to a previously approved device. Essure was fast-tracked because it provided the only permanent birth control alternative to surgical sterilization, and women enjoyed a quicker recovery time. Issues hadn’t come to light yet.

More than 750,000 women have received Essure implants, and the FDA has received more than 32,000 complaints and 10,000 adverse even reports regarding Essure. A minimum of 303 fetal deaths have been linked to the device as well, in women who thought they could no longer become pregnant.

At least one Essure lawsuit alleges the device should never have been placed on the market without Bayer completing further follow up with patients and without finishing and publishing more thorough pre-market studies.

Women have suffered a variety of problems that an Essure lawyer can link to the defective device.

The metal coils consist of a nickel-based alloy that can become a problem for up to 20 percent of the population who experience a nickel allergy. Inflammation, joint pain and rashes all indicate the possibility of a nickel allergy. The metals also can degrade over time and release nickel ions that lead to metal poisoning.

The plastic coating on the metal coils is made of PET plastic, known to degrade and release toxins at a temperature of just 85 degrees. Due to its placement within the body, the plastic would reach a near-constant 98.6 degrees. Signs that the body is reacting to plastic-related toxins include chronic inflammation and possible autoimmune responses that lead to fatigue and extreme joint pain.

Even though thousands of women report heavy periods, rashes, headaches, cramping, painful intercourse, debilitating joint pain, fatigue, and ectopic pregnancies, the FDA has not removed Essure from the market.

Bayer also stands by its product, saying in a recent statement, “Essure’s positive benefit-risk profile remains unchanged. Essure’s safety and effectiveness remain supported by more than ten years of scientific research and real-life clinical experience.”

If you have received Essure permanent birth control and suffered ongoing adverse side effects, you could benefit from speaking with an Essure lawyer regarding your legal options.