Problems from Essure, a form of permanent birth control for women, allegedly include coil migration into the pelvic cavity and possible ectopic pregnancy.

Essure consists of small coils that are inserted into the fallopian tubes through a woman’s vagina and cervix using an application device .

The coils can be implanted in a doctor’s office visit without the use of general anesthesia, which has made them an attractive alternative to other options such as tubal ligation that require anesthesia, surgical incision, and more time off from work.

Essure coils work by occluding the fallopian tubes and preventing the passage of a ripened ovum through the tubes where they can meet up with live sperm cells after intercourse. The occlusion of the fallopian tubes is reliant upon the gradual build-up of scar tissue around the coils which also holds the devices in place.

This process generally takes three months to occur during which a couple is highly encouraged to use additional methods of birth control. Once the fallopian tubes are occluded, the birth control method is designed to be permanent and non-reversible.

Problems from Essure

The most common problems from Essure placement in the doctor’s office are likely to be short-term discomfort such as cramping, vaginal bleeding, pain in the low back or pelvic region, nausea and/or vomiting, and perhaps dizziness.

These are not as concerning as some of the long-term problems from Essure about which women have complained to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Long-term problems from Essure can include migration of the coils into the pelvic cavity, perforation of the uterus or other pelvic organs by the coils, hyper-sensitive allergic reactions to the material that makes up the coils, autoimmune disease symptoms, heavy metal toxicity, and weight gain.

Essure coils are made from polyester fibers, nickel-titanium, and stainless steel. Allergies to these materials can reveal themselves in brain fog, itchy, raised rashes, general malaise, and excessive over-the-top reactions to everyday allergens.

Ectopic Pregnancy Problems from Essure

According to the FDA’s website, there is no birth control method that is 100% effective, save abstinence from sexual activity. That said, provided the patient has used other methods in the first three months and has passed a hysterosalpingogram in which a contrast agent is inserted through the cervix to confirm complete fallopian tube occlusion, the chances of pregnancy occurring is less than 1%.

Nevertheless, pregnancy can and sometimes does occur on this supposedly permanent form of birth control. It is more than likely the result of poor placement or coil migration, so in that sense, is among the second level problems from Essure.

Often if pregnancy occurs, it is ectopic. Ectopic pregnancy is when an embryo attaches outside of the uterus in the pelvic cavity. Rarely do the embryos survive and often this situation if not caught soon enough can be a threat to the mother’s life.

The FDA will continue to monitor the risk-benefit ratio of this medical device to make sure that it remains a healthy, viable alternative for women. That said, there have been 5,000 complaints as of June of 2015 to the drug and medical device oversight agency.

If you or a loved one have been hurt by the implantation of Essure coils, you may benefit from a consultation with a knowledgeable product liability lawyer.