IUDs, or intrauterine contraceptive devices are an effective, popular type of long-term hormonal contraception. However, IUDs still carry a significant risk of side-effects that can be dangerous, including IUD translocation (migration) and uterine perforation. Currently, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. manufactures the most popular IUD in the world. It has been found that women who use Mirena, the brand name of Bayer Pharmaceuticals’ IUD, are at serious risk for personal injury.
Approved by the FDA in 2000, Mirena prevents pregnancy by releasing a sufficient quantity of the hormone levonorgestrel. It is effective for around five years before it must be removed. Around 15 million women around the world use Mirena but it may be three times more likely to dislocate and perforate the uterus than other intrauterine contraceptive devices, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports. Perforation of the uterus can lead to sterility, infection and, in some extremely serious cases, death.
In one case, a 24-year-old woman suffered a serious case of IUD migration. Her case was reviewed in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics in 2009. The woman received an IUD and a check-up one month later confirmed by ultrasound that the IUD was in the correct place. However, six months later the woman returned to her doctor after missing a menstrual cycle. Another ultrasound revealed that the IUD was no longer in the uterus and she was pregnant. The woman had a cesarean delivery and the IUD was not located. Doctors believed that the IUD had been expelled before the baby was conceived. Around three months later, however, the woman experienced pain in her left hip and returned to her doctor. An X-ray revealed that the IUD had perforated her uterus, migrating into her lower abdomen and had not been expelled as doctors earlier believed. A laparoscopy revealed that the IUD had perforated her colon.
Multiple lawsuits have been or are currently being filed regarding the Mirena IUD, many of which claim that Bayer Pharmaceuticals has repeatedly failed to adequately warn users about the risks associated with the IUD.
Women who have suffered an IUD translocation, a uterine perforation, or another IUD side-effect, and who were not made aware of all the risks associated with the IUD, should contact a lawyer immediately to determine if they have a case. Depending on the circumstances, victims may have grounds for a personal injury, drug safety, or a medical malpractice lawsuit.
