Essure Birth Control Side Effects
Essure is the trade name for a permanent birth control method that utilizes a small metal coil placed in the Fallopian tubes. Over several month, scar tissue grows around the coil, effectively blocking the passage of sperm to egg and preventing fertilization. Essure is said to be about 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Unfortunately, this method has also been linked to serious complications that may result in birth defects, endometriosis and other dangerous side effects.
What Are The Side Effects Associated With Essure?
Possible side effects of Essure range from mild to life-threatening. Common side effects include:
- Pain. Most women feel a certain degree of pain during the procedure as well as cramping and bleeding for several days after. Some women have experienced fainting, nausea and vomiting immediately after the procedure as well.
- Ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic or tubal pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the Fallopian tube rather than in the lining of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. One of the biggest dangers with this type of pregnancy is that a woman may wait too long before seeking treatment because she does not realize the severity of the problem. Symptoms include sharp, stabbing pains in the pelvic region, dizziness and a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Incorrect placement. About four percent of all women have had Essure placed incorrectly, according to reports. Some of these women have suffered severe side effects such as perforated Fallopian tubes or ejection of the device. If placed incorrectly, the device must be adjusted to provide effective birth control. This means that the woman must undergo a second procedure in order to correct the problem.
- Anesthesia reactions. There have been several reports of complications due to the local anesthesia used to numb the patient before the procedure takes place. This type of medication can cause serious reactions, particularly if a patient is allergic.
What Are The Chances of Having Complications from Essure?
While only about one percent of women who have had Essure successfully implanted have suffered ectopic pregnancies, this number does not include the women who have suffered effects from incorrect placement of the device, which some experts place as high as four percent. That means that women have a statistically significant chance of having complications from the Essure procedure, including both incorrect placement and ectopic pregnancy.
If you have suffered complications from Essure, it is very important that you talk to a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you protect your rights and ensure that you are compensated for the medical bills, pain and suffering and other problems you may face as a result of the Essure procedure.
The Fitzgerald Law Firm in New York can help you seek compensation for the damages you have suffered as a result of the Essure procedure. If you have had an Essure implant and suffered any complications, contact us for a free consultation. We will work with you to recover the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injuries.