Essure, an alternative form of birth control that involves implanting a metal coil in the fallopian tubes, is linked to several medical complications, some of them life-threatening. Although the device is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, it may also cause serious side effects, including painful periods and intercourse, ectopic pregnancy, and even death. Contact a Essure injury attorney today.
Suicide Linked to Essure
The Essure contraceptive implant entered the market more than 10 years ago. At the time, it was hailed as a breakthrough, a relatively painless procedure that could be done in-office in about 10 minutes. Today, thousands of women claim they were harmed by the small metal and polyester coil, and they want the world to know. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the device’s manufacturer, Bayer, claiming serious injury, emotional harm, and even suicide.
750,000 Women Currently Have an Essure Implant
Since Essure came on the market more than a decade ago, the FDA has received more than 4,000 adverse event reports claiming severe complications, including heavy and painful menstrual periods, pierced fallopian tubes, serious pelvic and back pain, ectopic pregnancy, and that the device became lodged in other organs. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. If an ectopic pregnancy ruptures, it can be life-threatening for the woman. Sold in at least 23 countries, there are currently about 750,000 Essure devices in use across the globe.
Thousands of Women Have Been Injured by the Essure Contraceptive Implant
According to the FDA, Essure’s original manufacturer, Conceptus, received a total of 16,047 complaints about the device between 2011 and 2013, the year Bayer acquired the company. Angie Firmalino, a mother of four, experienced excessive bleeding and pain for two years after undergoing the procedure. At first, doctors couldn’t figure out what was causing the pain and bleeding, but eventually they discovered that the device had broken apart in her body. The broken pieces then migrated, and became lodged in her uterus. Firmalino required several operations to remove the fragments. In the end, she needed a hysterectomy, and still takes daily medication to deal with the pain.
The Goldwater Law Firm – National Defective Medical Product Attorneys
Firmalino’s story is only one of an ever-growing list of patients who say they were harmed by the Essure implant. Despite these terrible complications, Essure remains on the market today. If you have been harmed by the Essure implant, or any other type of medical device or prescription drug, the skilled legal team at the Goldwater Law Firm can help. We have extensive experience with these types of cases, and an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and even lost wages. Don’t go through this difficult time alone. Contact the Goldwater Law Firm today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.