Bayer, the manufacturer, recently announced it will stop selling the Essure birth control device.  This is widely seen as a victory for women’s health.  The device has been very problematic.  Reports indicate that there have been 27,000 – 30,000 “adverse events.”  There are over 16,000 claims and lawsuits over the Essure device.

How Does Essure Work?

The Essure birth control device is a small coil which can be implanted into a woman’s fallopian tube.  The body naturally develops scar tissue around the device.  This scar tissues blocks fertilization.  The procedure is considered non-surgical.  The Essure device is marketed as a permanent form or birth control.

Reported Problems and Side-Effects with Essure Birth Control

• Hair and/or Tooth Loss
• Severe Pain and Bleeding
• Perforation of the Uterus and/or Fallopian Tubes
• Intra-Abdominal or Pelvic Migration of the Device
• Miscarriage
• Death

As a woman and an attorney, I’m highly concerned when well-established and familiar companies, such as Bayer, allow this type of product to be sold.  The FDA has already voiced its concerns about the Essure birth control device.  It had already been removed from markets throughout the world, but remained available in the US.

Is this a case of Bayer trading on its established goodwill to pursue profits over the health of women?  That question will be answered as the more than 16,000 lawsuits make their way through our courts.

A Violation of Trust?

I’ve handled medical malpractice cases for years.  Some of them included emergency room errors, medication errors and other forms of hospital negligence.  Should the gynecologists who recommended these devices as an option for their patients also be held responsible?  Again, as a woman, the trust we place in our doctors leaves us very vulnerable to their influence and advice.  We should expect better.

If you’ve had the Essure birth control device implanted and now have concerns, please contact my office.  I’ll share the information I have available and can discuss several available options for your consideration.  Feel free to call my office at (502) 561-2005.