Essure procedure side effects have been the center of concern for the patient population and medical community for years, sparking outrage from consumer advocacy groups.

There have been extensive efforts to take the permanent contraceptive off the market, as Essure procedure side effects remain a relevant concern to women who choose it.

The Essure birth control device consists of two metal coils, each of which is implanted into a fallopian tube. The tissue in the fallopian tubes eventually swells around the coils, which ultimately blocks sperm to egg fertilization.

Upon its release, numerous women opted for the non invasive permanent contraceptive, but many have since allegedly experienced Essure procedure side effects.

The Essure device is the only form of non surgical female sterilization in the country. Originally made by Conceptus Inc., Bayer HealthCare acquired the rights to Essure.

Bayer is currently facing intense legal action and public scrutiny for allegedly knowing the severity of Essure procedure side effects and failing to warn the public of the risks.

Overview of Essure Procedure Side Effects

Since the Essure was approved by the FDA in November 2002, the agency has received thousands of injury reports describing Essure procedure side effects.

According to the FDA, it had received approximately 14,919 medical device reports regarding Essure procedure side effects between Nov. 4, 2002 through Dec. 31, 2016. The injury reports are broken down into the following:

• 10,746 patients experienced abdominal pain
• 5,377 patients experienced heavier or irregular menstruation
• 4,396 patients experienced headaches
• 3,560 patients experienced fatigue
• 3,270 patients experienced fluctuations in weight

In addition, the FDA had received injury reports indicating problems with the design of the contraceptive, with 2,402 patients reporting the Essure did not work as promised. These women report suffering the following:

• 1,485 patients experienced device migration
• 663 patients experienced the device not working properly
• 617 patients experienced the device breaking
• 304 patients experienced difficulty in device removal
• 261 patients experienced the device changing position
• 257 patients experienced difficulty in device implantation

Moreover the FDA received 1,077 injury reports indicating unwanted pregnancies had occurred in Essure patients, with some women reporting multiple pregnancies. In more severe cases, women experienced ectopic pregnancies in which the fetus forms outside the uterus.

Essure gained massive popularity for being the only permanent, non surgical method of female sterilization available. The FDA opted to keep the contraceptive on the market due to its unique convenience features.

While the FDA acknowledges the number of Essure procedure side effects is troubling, the agency stated it would continue to monitor the situation.

Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich has been leading the efforts to recall the Essure birth control, stating the permanent contraceptive should not have been approved by the FDA. Numerous women have opted to file legal action against Bayer HealthCare, for allegedly failing to warn them against potential Essure procedure side effects.

Class action investigators are currently reviewing Essure injury claims, to determine if litigation is the right course of action. Women who suffered Essure procedure side effects may be eligible for compensation, with potential claims against Bayer including negligence and failure to warn.