FDA Investigates Essure Birth Control after Thousands of Complaints

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating Essure, a permanent form of birth control, after getting thousands of complaints from women about side effects. According to WNCN news report, more and more women are coming forward to share their stories about the negative effects of this birth control device.

Essure is a device, which consists of two coils placed into the fallopian tubes through a non-surgical procedure in a doctor’s office. Once the coils are in the woman’s body, scar tissue forms around them and blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing pregnancy. Many women have opted for Essure instead of tubal ligation with the hope of avoiding surgery.

Severe Side Effects

While the device would have been a blessing to women had it worked the way it was promised to work, thousands of women are now complaining that the device has caused them nothing but problems. One woman said she had to go to the ER because she was in so much pain as she could not eat or sleep.

She told WNCN that she developed migraines and severe allergies to everything from foods and medicines to metals. She couldn’t even wear her wedding band. She reported suffering so much abdominal bloating that she looked nine months pregnant. This woman was not alone. Many reported suffering through these symptoms for several years because they couldn’t determine what was causing their problems.

Banding through Social Media

There is now a sisterhood of women who has gone through this nightmare with Essure, who are banding through social media. There is a dedicated Essure Problems Facebook Page that has thousands of “likes” and members. According to Essure’s website, about 750,000 of the devices have been sold worldwide. The products have not yet been recalled.

Seeking Compensation

So women who are not aware of the potential issues this device could cause are still getting them. Bayer has said its products are safe and that the benefits of Essure outweigh its risks. Most women who reported side effects also said their symptoms eased up after they had the Essure device removed.

If you or someone you love has suffered severe side effects as the result of getting the Essure device, it is crucial that you contact an experienced product defect lawyer who can help you seek and obtain the compensation you deserve. You may be eligible for damages including medical expenses, lost income, cost of surgery or other procedures, pain and suffering and mental anguish.