Women trust medical professionals and the manufacturers of healthcare products to provide valuable insight and safe options for whatever situation they are seeking to change. Likewise, they trust a product to work as intended. Unfortunately, numerous medical devices are either constructed using shoddy materials, not properly tested or implanted incorrectly – any of which can lead to catastrophic injuries or death.
Many women choose an intrauterine device (IUD) as their preferred method of birth control. One such device, Paragard, was approved in 1984 with label revisions in 2005. It is a T-shaped device constructed of flexible plastic with a coil of thin copper. The manufacturer’s specifications note that once implanted in the uterus, the device can remain in place for up to 10 years. Unfortunately, severe complications can occur.
What complications are tied to the Paragard IUD?
If they meet the eligibility requirements, the Paragard IUD is available to women in all stages of reproductive life from the age of 16 until they reach menopause. The Paragard device was designed with a copper coil that releases small amounts of copper particles intended to block fertilization. While an effective method of contraception, the IUD can become brittle and hard years after implantation. With the loss of flexibility, the device can shatter during removal causing small pieces of plastic to migrate through the woman’s body. Unfortunately, the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) records several thousand instances of serious complications and numerous deaths. The complications arising from a device fracture can include:
- Infection
- Infertility
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Internal bleeding
- Vaginal bleeding
- Chronic pain that starts in the abdomen and radiates outward
Unfortunately, a defective device can lead to multiple surgeries, multiple hospital stays, infertility or death. Women should be mindful of these dangers and act quickly if experiencing any adverse reaction. Often seemingly insignificant symptoms can be signs of hidden danger.