Today, women can choose from multiple birth control options. An IUD (intrauterine device) is a popular choice that has received both praise and criticism. It is a T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus to avoid pregnancy. The time till which a woman can use an IUD depends on the brand and type.
There have been mixed views about the use of IUDs. For instance, Dr. Lara Briden, a naturopathic doctor in her book ‘Period Repair Manual’ writes, IUDs are more natural compared to hormonal birth control. Copper IUDs allow ovulation and lead to natural hormonal balance. They doesn’t cause weight gain, hair loss, or depression linked to steroidal drugs.
However, there are a few things that aren’t natural about placing a plastic and copper device inside one’s uterus. It can lead to pain and heavy periods. It can also alter the vaginal microbiome and the device can break inside the body.
In this article, we will shed light on how women have blamed a leading IUD brand for various health hazards. We will also discuss the hassles related to IUDs that women will understand and agree to.
Paragard IUD Wreaked Havoc on Women’s Health
In August 2021, Katv.com reported on how a leading form of birth control caused severe complications among innumerable women. Over 3,200 women have witnessed the breakage of Paragard IUDs.
The news mentioned the story of Ashlie Gilbert, who faced an unwanted side effect of Paragard IUD. At 18, Ashlie had implanted this non-hormonal IUD in her uterus. Since she was searching for a non-hormonal birth control option, she believed that a Paragard IUD could be effective and long-lasting.
She used this device for almost ten years, which is the duration approved by the FDA. When she visited her doctor to get the IUD removed, something unexpected happened. Just before removing it, her doctor alerted her of device breakage. Ashlie said that if she was aware of this, she would have gotten the device removed before.
Based on the FDAs statistics from AERs (Adverse Event Report System):
- Nearly 3,290 women have experienced Paragard IUD breakage
- Around 2,000 out of these in the FDA database are marked as serious
However, for women like Ashlie, who suffered complications from a broken IUD, allowing the company to determine how they communicate any additional risk is not sufficient. She considers herself fortunate in this regard. The broken piece of the IUD came out of her body eventually. There was no surgery needed for it. But it happened after she went through a mental phase of anguish, thinking she might need a hysterectomy to remove the broken piece.
But not every woman’s predicament mirrors Ashlie’s. Anna Speaks used the same device for five years and faced device breakage. She had to be operated to remove the broken piece from her body. If you or anyone you know has experienced something similar, it is essential to file a lawsuit and know about Paragard IUD lawsuit settlement amounts. It will help to cover the medical expenses and other damages.
Gathering medical evidence about the IUD breakage is essential for filing a legal claim. Once you have the necessary medical proof, you can reach out to a lawyer to share the same, for them to use it and develop your case.
TorHoerman Law states damages that victims can claim through a Paragard lawsuit are future medical costs, medical bills, permanent disability, lost wages, emotional damages, and pain and suffering. Considering the earlier mass tort cases, victims can expect a settlement amount between $10,000 and $400,000, but this is not the final estimation.
Other Hassles Women Face with IUDs
Apart from the risk of breakage, Paragard IUDs are known for various side effects. Here are three common ones that most women can relate to:
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Bacterial Vaginosis
IUDs often result in bacterial vaginosis (BV) where the normal vaginal bacteria have an overgrowth that leads to a watery discharge. It affects most women and gets treated with antibiotics.
The association between BV and IUD isn’t a new one! Women have reported such problems before. However, recently scientists discovered that copper IUDs can increase the risk of BV. It is because women who use these IUDs have longer and heavier menstrual flow. It completely depletes Lactobacillus and promotes excess Gardnerella and other bacterial growth linked with BV.
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Ovarian Cysts
Nearly one in every ten women develops fluid-filled sacs in ovaries within the first year of using an IUD. These cysts often reduce and diminish by themselves within three months. These cysts are benign and don’t have any symptoms. However, it will lead to pain, swelling, and bloating in the lower belly. When a cyst ruptures, there is sudden and severe pain. If the pain gets uncontrollable, consult a doctor.
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Ectopic Pregnancy
If a fertilized egg gets implanted outside the uterus, then the pregnancy won’t survive. It might be detrimental for a woman’s health. Each year, almost one out of a thousand women using IUDs will experience ectopic pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding and belly pain can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy. So, once you notice these signs, getting a medical consultation is essential.
Conclusion
Today, women want to decide for themselves whether they want to get pregnant and bring a child into this world. Here the choice of the birth control tool is essential as it decides the quality of the reproductive health of the woman. On the one hand, the Paragard IUDs help to avert pregnancy, but it leads to issues like breakage within the body and various other side effects like cramps and fainting.
It is necessary to research before getting the device implanted to check whether it can cause any severe damage. Victims who have suffered from IUDs should get the necessary medical assistance and file a legal complaint to recover their damages.
