Modern-day women have complete agency over their choice of birth control methods. IUD emerges as one of the favorites. Considering its benefit of being able to prevent pregnancy for 10 years, many women opted for IUDs (intrauterine devices). Hence, it’s no surprise that the global market size of IUDs was 4.3 billion in 2023.
Paragard IUD is a popular birth control tool that women have used for years. But what seemed to be a boon soon became a bane for most. Even though the device was approved by the FDA in 1984, women often complained about its design defects. The Paragard IUD broke or fractured upon removal.
According to a new study in ‘The Lancet’, IUDs may puncture a woman’s uterus. In this article, we will shed light on the crucial facts that women need to know about IUD perforation and other complications to decide better for themselves.
Intrauterine Perforation because of IUD Malposition
Intrauterine perforation due to an IUD happens when the device moves out of its place of insertion. The device can completely move out of the uterus and land in your abdominal cavity, which is known as complete perforation. If a woman experiences this, she may suffer from localized inflammatory reactions and bowel perforations.
Women who undergo an Intrauterine perforation also experience small bowel obstruction, because of adhesions.
IUD Perforation Risk High in Postpartum Insertion
In June 2022, AboutLawsuits.com reported that women who use an IUD for birth control after giving birth had a higher chance of experiencing uterine perforation. This is true for Paragard IUDs as well.
A team of researchers from the United States who were also members of the APEX-IUD study team researched this topic. Their findings were published in ‘The Lancet’. The study identified 1,008 instances of uterine perforations after examining data from over 327,000 individuals.
Dr. Susan Reed, the lead author of this study, stated that the results were compared with insertions in breastfeeding women and non-postpartum insertions. The key findings included:
- IUD perforation risk went up by 7 times for women who had the device inserted between 4 days and 6 weeks postpartum. It increased by nearly one-third when the device was inserted during breastfeeding.
- The chances of uterine perforation were slightly lower for women who had the device inserted in their body beyond a year of their delivery. It was even less common in women who had never experienced childbirth.
Over the years, Paragard IUDs have been linked with uterine perforations and other complications. To date, several complaints have remained unresolved in federal court.
However, if you face uterine perforation, you can file a Paragard lawsuit. It’s not a wise decision to get discouraged by a few legal cases that are still being processed. Instead, consult a lawyer to help you collect vital evidence and develop a strong case. That way, you have a higher chance of obtaining your legal compensation to cover the losses you’ve suffered.
Other Potential Injuries Caused by Paragard IUD
In November 2023, weartv.com shared the tragic story of Veronica Worley, who used a Paragard IUD for 9 years only to find that a piece of metal was lodged inside her body. She opted for the device because the staff at the Okaloosa County Health Department recommended it.
Later, during a routine exam, the nurse informed her that the IUD had broken into two halves. The only way to get the fragments out of her body was through surgery. Many women, like Veronica, claimed that Teva Pharmaceuticals (manufacturer of Paragard IUD) didn’t warn patients and doctors about the device’s risk of fracture and perforation.
A few other potential injuries include:
- Infertility.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Vaginal discharge.
- Menstrual cramps.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Organ damage.
- Pseudotumor cerebri.
If you notice any of these complications, you must consult a doctor and get yourself treated as soon as possible.
Navigating the Legal Path
Drugwatch reported in August 2024 that 2,774 Paragard IUD lawsuits are pending. Nearly 2,860 cases had been filed against the manufacturer in the federal court in Georgia. According to TorHoerman Law, the Paragard MDL will keep growing. Also, the bellwether trials have been scheduled for 2025. It includes 10 cases that represent lawsuits about design defects.
Filing a lawsuit on time and following the legal procedures outlined by your lawyer will increase your chances of receiving a settlement payout. You can use this to pay for your medical bills, and compensate for lost wages, and other damages.
Summing up, women have the right to choose the birth control method they want to opt for, but they should exercise caution. Even though it appeared beneficial, Paragard IUD resulted in injuries, complications, and uterine perforations. Hence, women should be careful about how and when to use it. Seeking medical guidance is essential to make the best decision.
