What is Essure?
Essure is a form of permanent birth control for women that doesn’t require a surgical procedure. The device is a coil-shaped insert designed to bend and conform to each patient’s body shape, and is made of polyester fibers, nickel-titanium alloy and stainless steel. The insert is placed into each fallopian tube by a doctor, and once inserted, the body creates a natural barrier forms around the inserts to prevent sperm from reaching the eggs. This natural barrier is often fully formed 3 months after the procedure, however, a confirmation test must be completed to determine if the patient is able to rely solely on Essure for birth control.
Essure Lawsuits:
A mass tort lawsuit against Bayer Essure Inc. (who bought Conceptus, the original maker of Essure) and its related companies, who designed, manufactured and marketed Essure, has been filed by 95 women who claim the contraception caused various side effects and complications.
Bayer is accused of withholding safety information regarding the device as well as aggressively marketing the product, which the plaintiffs say contained statements that were both false and misleading. The manufacturer is also accused of knowing of the harmful side effects, which are “perforation of the uterus and/or fallopian tubes, intra-abdominal or pelvic device migration, persistent pain, and allergy or hypersensitivity reactions” as reported by the plaintiffs.
Many women have also claimed the device has caused permanent injuries such as autoimmune diseases, perforated organs and severe pelvic pain.
Side Effects and Complications:
Along with various autoimmune diseases, perforated organs and severe pelvic pain, one of the other major complications comes from patents and allergies to nickel. Because the Essure insert contains nickel, its particles are released into the body. Patients who are allergic to nickel may have allergic reactions to the insert, including rash, itching and hives.
Other side effects and complications include:
- Heavier/Irregular Menstruation
- Fatigue
- Weight Fluctuations
- Abdominal Pain
- Device Movement
- Device Breakage