Mirena IUD
The Mirena IntraUterine Device, or IUD, is a birth control device designed to prevent unwanted pregnancy without requiring women to take a hormone pill every day. The device is surgically inserted into the uterus; it is made of a plastic frame that contains progestin, a female hormone. Once implanted, the device is supposed to consistently infuse female hormones into the woman’s system to prevent ovulation. The hormones also cause the cervical wall to become thicker and the uterine wall to become thinner so that it’s less likely that an egg can become fertilized and implant itself into the uterus.
Unfortunately, the Mirena IUD doesn’t always work; if an accidental pregnancy occurs, the woman must have a second surgery to remove the device and may suffer a miscarriage or deliver a child who has serious birth defects. Mirena IUDs are also associated with other serious injuries, including infertility, life-threatening infections, endometritis and cervical or uterine cancer. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of using a Mirena IUD, you may be able to receive compensation. Contact your personal injury attorney for more information.
About Mirena IUDs
Mirena IUDs are t-shaped devices that must be surgically implanted into the uterus by a healthcare provider who is trained in the use and insertion of these devices. Once the device is implanted into the uterus, it is supposed to release small amounts of progestin into the woman’s system. The device should be effective for up to five years. This is different from other types of IUD devices, which release copper into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Copper-based IUDs are effective for up to ten years.
Although the Mirena IUD is usually prescribed to prevent pregnancy, it can also be prescribed to treat endometritis, a painful condition where a woman has heavy bleeding during her period and severe menstrual cramps.
Problems With Mirena IUDs
There are many problems associated with Mirena IUDs that can lead to serious injury. Some of the most common injuries include:
- The body expelling the IUD, causing pain and other problems while failing to prevent pregnancy. This is more common in people under the age of 20, people who have never been pregnant and people who have recently terminated a pregnancy or delivered a baby.
- Accidental pregnancy while using the device, leading to miscarriages or birth defects.
- The device implanting itself into the uterus, requiring corrective surgery.
- Pelvic infections or other serious infections.
- A very serious and potentially life-threatening infection called sepsis.
- Cervical or uterine cancer
- Perforation of the cervical or uterine wall
- Worsening of endometritis symptoms.
Causes for Problems
Many of the problems associated with the Mirena IUD occur if the device is not inserted correctly. It’s important that only trained professionals insert the device in order to prevent infections or unwanted pregnancies.
In addition, some problems may occur because the device is used for patients that it is not appropriate to use it for. Patients under the age of 20, those who have not been pregnant before and those who have recently been pregnant should not use this device.
We Can Help
Thousands of women have already sued Bayer, the manufacturer of this device, alleging improper marketing of the device and lack of adequate warnings of risk. If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of using this device, please contact us today to find out about filing a personal injury lawsuit