Many women rely on IUDs as a reliable form of birth control. However, could the very devices designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies actually be putting women’s health at risk? Recent reports have surfaced of internal bleeding associated with IUD use. We’ll explore this potentially serious side effect and what women should know.
Quick Overview of IUD
There are two main types of intrauterine devices (IUDs) that differ in their mechanism of preventing pregnancy. Hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs both provide long-term, reversible contraception.
Hormonal IUDs work by releasing progestin, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Progestin thickens cervical mucus, blocking sperm from reaching the uterus and an egg.
Unlike hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs do not contain hormones. Instead, a small amount of copper triggers an inflammatory response in the uterus. This creates an environment toxic to sperm.
The length of time that different intrauterine devices (IUDs) provide effective birth control varies between products. For a maximum of eight years, the hormonal IUDs Mirena and Liletta are approved to prevent conception. It is authorized to use the hormonal IUD Kyleena for a maximum of five years.
For a maximum of ten years, the single copper IUD known as Paragard provides contraception prevention. After a decade of use, a new Paragard can be inserted.
It’s important to note that a healthcare provider may remove an IUD at a woman’s request at any point during use. Fertility immediately returns once an IUD is taken out. Both copper and hormonal IUDs utilize different biological mechanisms to offer highly effective birth control.
The Concerning Side Effects of IUDs
Millions of women in the U.S. use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control each year. IUDs are very effective at preventing pregnancy, with only around 1 in 100 women becoming pregnant while using one.
While IUDs are generally very safe, some concerns have emerged about potential side effects, especially with the Paragard IUD.
According to TorHoerman Law, there are two potential issues associated with Paragard IUDs.
First, on rare occasions, the device itself can break during removal. Second, there is a possibility, albeit small, that the IUD could migrate to another area of the body, making removal more difficult. Further medical intervention is necessary for each of these situations, and doing so may result in additional health issues.
Suppose a Paragard IUD were to break or migrate inside the uterus. In that case, it could, in rare cases, result in internal bleeding, organ damage, pelvic inflammatory disease, or a perforated uterus or cervix.
Infections or future fertility and pregnancy complications like ectopic pregnancy are also theoretical risks. Treatments to fully remove any leftover fragments could involve invasive surgeries.
In addition, some side effects in the weeks after IUD insertion are also possible, like bleeding, pain, or discharge. While most are mild and temporary, very rarely, a side effect could require medical attention.
Legal Repercussions of IUD Complications
Unfortunately, some women who used Paragard IUDs have experienced very serious health issues due to complications. As a result, many are now involved in legal cases against the manufacturers.
Some injuries alleged in these lawsuits include organ perforation or trauma from broken or fractured IUD parts. Others experienced excessive bleeding, leading to life-threatening blood loss. There are also claims of ectopic pregnancies or infections like pelvic inflammatory disease.
If you suffered an injury that may have been caused by a Paragard IUD complication, you could join litigation that has been consolidated for judicial efficiency. Your attorneys would work to obtain fair compensation commensurate with your damages.
The severity of injuries tends to impact the potential settlement amount. Based on prior case outcomes, estimates of Paragard lawsuit settlement amounts range from $10,000 to $400,000. However, each new case is unique, and outcomes vary.
If you believe you may have a claim, speaking with experienced legal counsel could help determine the best path forward. A free consultation allows you to evaluate your specific situation without obligation. While there are no guarantees, pursuing legal action may provide an opportunity to be fairly compensated for injuries related to medical device complications.
FAQs
1. Can an Intrauterine Device (IUD) cause harm to the uterus?
A: Yes, there is a risk of uterine perforation, which is a serious complication that can occur during IUD insertion or later. Uterine perforation, though rare, can be life-threatening. The incidence rate is estimated to be between 0.12 and 0.68 cases per 1,000 IUD insertions.
2. Is the process of removing an IUD painful?
A: Uncomplicated IUD removal should be a quick procedure and is generally not very painful. Most individuals report that the insertion process is more painful than the removal. However, your healthcare provider may still recommend taking ibuprofen before the removal to alleviate any potential discomfort or pain.
3. How long do side effects from the Paragard IUD typically last?
A: The side effects associated with the Paragard IUD (a copper-based IUD) will likely subside within 3 to 6 months as your body adjusts to the presence of the device. If you can tolerate any side effects during this initial period, there is a good chance they will eventually disappear or become less noticeable.
While IUDs are highly effective birth control, it’s important that women be made fully aware of potential health risks. Ongoing monitoring and research are needed to understand complications better and improve device safety. Ultimately, each woman must carefully weigh the risks and benefits for her individual situation and well-being.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio.
