Posted by: dhendricks, in: Defective Products ,

May 31, 2018 — San Diego, CA.   We continue to hear from women hurt from Bayer’s Essure birth control device.  We have created this new list of Essure side effects and complications, that were shared with us, in order to keep women up to date on problems associated with Essure.

A Review – What is Essure Birth Control?

Essure is a form of permanent birth control (sterilization) that involves placing two metal coils in a woman’s fallopian tubes. Essure is the only non-surgical form of permanent contraception available today. The procedure is performed in a doctor’s office usually in less than 30 minutes. (Please note – Bayer says it’s a non-surgical procedure, but in reality it requires cutting the tubes to insert the device, see below).side effects and complications of Essure

How is the Essure insertion procedure performed?

Essure is inserted into each fallopian tube by a doctor. The coils are inserted through the vagina so no incision is necessary. The doctor first inserts a small camera called a hysteroscope through the vagina, into the cervix and up the uterus until he or she can see the fallopian tubes. The doctor then passes the Essure coils through the hysteroscope and into the fallopian tubes.

The correct placement is essential in order for Essure to work as intended. About three to eight rings should extend into the uterine cavity; the rest of the coils should be inside the fallopian tubes.

What are the side effects and complications of Essure?

Essure has been linked to a multitude of adverse side effects and complications by thousands of women who had the metal coils inserted. Side effects can range from mild to severe; some may even be life-threatening. The following symptoms and side effects have been reported by women who had Essure inserted: (updated May 31, 2018)

  • Heavy or irregular menstrual cycles
  • Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) (Newly reported by PubMed)
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Allergies to nickel
  • Pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy
  • Device migration
  • Perforation of organs
  • Broken or missing coils
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Pain – lower back, hip, joint, chest, leg, neck, spine
  • Hair loss
  • Hair growth in new places
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Malaise, general feeling of illness or discomfort
  • Severe bloating
  • Cramping
  • Endometriosis
  • Fibroids
  • Night sweats
  • Loss of libido
  • Bleeding/spotting after sex
  • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Yeast infections
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder infections
  • Blood in urine
  • Swelling, inflammation of cervix or vagina
  • Itching, burning, stabbing pain at vaginal opening
  • Breast pain, tenderness
  • Constipation, gas, diarrhea
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Heartburn
  • Mood swings
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Tingling sensations
  • Brain fog, forgetfulness
  • Fainting/black out spells
  • Blood clots
  • Vitamin D or B12 deficiencies
  • Anemia, iron deficiency
  • Hives, rashes, skin irritation
  • Acne
  • Dental issues
  • Insomnia
  • Thyroid disease
  • Swelling of legs, feet
  • Muscle spasms
  • Vision problems
  • Excessive sweating
  • Dry skin, hair or eyes

What is migration of the device?

Device migration is a relatively common adverse events reported by women who have problems with the device. Of the 9,900 adverse event reports sent to the FDA between 2002 and 2015, more than 800 included migration of the device.broken essure coils migrate

When the Essure device migrates, it means the device moves from the proper place of insertion inside the fallopian tubes. Sometimes, the device moves only slightly from its intended position; in other cases, the device may migrate completely out of the fallopian tube into the uterus or the abdominal cavity. This usually happens when the doctor inserts the coils too far into the fallopian tube or not far enough.

Symptoms of device migration include:

  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Abdominal pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Tiredness
  • General feeling of discomfort, illness
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety

Can Essure fail?

Yes. Essure has been linked to hundreds of unplanned pregnancies, in some cases after a woman has undergone an HSG to ensure the tubes are closed.

While no form of birth control is 100 percent effective all of the time, women may be at a greater risk of becoming pregnant with Essure than tubal ligation. One study published in the journal Contraception estimated that 9.6 percent of women could become pregnant within 10 years of undergoing the Essure procedure.  That is about four times the risk after tubal ligation.

Between 2002 and 2015, over 630 pregnancies were reported to the FDA by women who had Essure inserted but became pregnant anyway.

Women who have Essure inserted and subsequently become pregnant are at a greater risk for ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the fertilized egg implants itself anywhere except the uterus. Oftentimes, the fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies are serious and life-threatening to both mother and baby. In most cases the baby does not survive.

Has Essure been recalled?

No. Neither the FDA nor the makers of Essure have recalled the device. It is still on the market and available to women seeking permanent birth control. Bayer has stopped sales of Essure in most European countries, but it’s still offered in the U.S.

I was harmed by Essure. How do I file a lawsuit?

Essure Claims Center Form – click the banner below to see if you qualify:
Essure Claims form

The lawyers and attorneys at National Injury Attorneys, LLC are experienced in claims and cases involving Essure. If you had the Essure device inserted and have experienced adverse effects, call us today for a free case evaluation at 1-800-214-1010. You may be entitled to compensation.

Essure Side Effects – List of Essure Complications. Migration of coils page updated on May 31, 2018.

Posted by: dhendricks, in: Defective Products ,