Could Your Birth Control be Hurting You?
Ess
ure, the only FDA-approved permanent contraception device for women, is getting a closer look from the FDA after multiple complaints from users.
The product, manufactured by Bayer, is a soft, flexible metal spring inserted into each fallopian tube. Over the course of several months, scar tissue forms around the coils, blocking the tubes to prevent eggs from releasing into the uterus. It is currently the only approved alternative to surgical sterilization.
However, user reviews may show that the product isn’t worth its hype. A Facebook group called “Essure Problems” has over 19,400 members, complaining of symptoms such as chronic fatigue, migraines, joint pain, digestive issues, heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, tooth and hair loss, depression and severe bloating after having the device implanted.
This case could be another in a trend of drug and medical device manufacturers not fully vetting their product before taking them to market. Though Bayer claims it did an intensive 5-year study on the device’s side effects after it went on the market, all the research was funded by Bayer or Conceptus, Inc., the company that developed the device.
While Bayer and Conceptus may have been able to pay for good results in their studies, It’s harder to argue with the unpaid, unbiased, combined experiences of almost 20,000 users of the device. Though the FDA scheduled a public advisory meeting for Sept. 24 to hear patients’ complaints and re-evaluate the device’s safety, for many women, it’s too late to prevent the pain.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to the Essure device, contact us. We want to help!
NOTE: This article is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please speak to your doctor before altering or stopping any medical treatment.
