Developed by Conceptus Inc., a subsidiary of Bayer AG, the Essure system is a type of permanent birth control for women. It cannot be reversed. Bayer claims that the Essure device is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, and mentions that it’s the only permanent birth control device that you can get with a non-surgical procedure.

During insertion of the Essure system, a hysteroscope, which is a flexible tube with a small camera, is inserted through the vagina, into the cervix, and up into the uterus. Once the openings of the fallopian tubes are seen, small metal and fiber coils are passed through the hysteroscope into the fallopian tubes.

The system causes scar tissue to form around the coils, blocking the fallopian tubes, and preventing sperm from reaching the egg. The Essure system takes three months to become effective in preventing pregnancy. In some women, it can take up to six months.

However, recent news stories have surfaced of women experiencing complications once they’ve had the Essure device inserted.

FDA Response to Serious Essure Side Effects & Complaints

The FDA had approved the Essure birth control device in 2002 after a fast-track review process. Currently the FDA has collected over 4,000 complaints of severe back pain, prolonged menstrual periods, and pierced fallopian tubes that led to the device being lodged into other nearby organs. The FDA, in a redacted study, has now counted 200 adverse affects and problems related to Essure.

The original manufacturer, Conceptus, was acquired by Bayer, who continued to heavily market the device. Bayer says that the birth control product is in use in 23 countries and there may be as many as 750,000 devices currently in use. However, the company is unsure of how many women in the U.S. have the Essure device.

Bayer is now being accused of possibly having provided fraudulent clinical trials of Essure to the FDA. Many women who were part of the trials have now joined forces and created a consumer advocacy group on Facebook.

Victims Speak Out against Essure Problems

Women nationwide say Essure has caused a spectrum of health problems, and they are campaigning for a ban. Through social media, they caution potential customers against the device – “Don’t do it! You’ll be sorry!” Facebook pages titled “Essure Problems” and “Ohio E-Sisters” are focusing on getting the FDA to reconsider Essure and to find researchers who will study their complaints.

Many of these women are now are speaking out publicly via orchestrated social media campaigns against the Essure system by sharing the side effects they suffered from the device, including:

• Unintended pregnancy, including ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic pain
• Migration of Essure inserts through the fallopian tubes into the lower abdomen and pelvis
• Perforation of the uterus or fallopian tubes
• Rash and itching associated with possible nickel allergy

So far, Bayer has declined to comment on the social media campaign against Essure, but the leaders in the Facebook campaigns say they aren’t done.

Essure Lawsuits

Many Essure lawsuits allege that Bayer rushed this birth control device to market and blame the FDA for fast-tracking the process. These lawsuits claim that Bayer put profit over safety and women have been the unwilling victims of their birth control choice.

If you or someone you love has had the Essure Contraceptive Implant and has had any adverse side affect, you may be eligible to file an Essure lawsuit.