When choosing and intrauterine device (IUD) as your form of birth control, you rely on manufacturers to provide safe, dependable products, and to be forthcoming about the severity of potential risks. Paragard^® is a small IUD that prevents pregnancy for as long as you want - up to 10 years. It works differently, using one simple active ingredient - copper - instead of hormones. But recent FDA studies have reported that Paragard^® IUDs could break or fracture. This can result in perforation of the uterus or other injuries requiring invasive surgery to remove. Reports indicate the device can also lead to complications such as infections, scarring, or loss of reproductive health. The manufacturer of the Paragard^® IUD has recently stated the device may become difficult to remove "because it is stuck in the uterus." They added that "surgery may sometimes be needed to remove Paragard^®."

As mentioned, the injuries focus on when a Paragard^® IUD breaks at the arm when removed, or on its own, prior to removal. The manufacturer of Paragard^® IUD failed to warn about the device's potential to fracture or break during removal. Both cases can require surgical intervention, which often comes as an unpleasant surprise. Another common injury is when the arms remain stuck inside the uterus during pregnancy. This can lead to significant complications for the mother and the fetus.

Since 2010, Paragard^® copper IUD has piqued the interest of many individuals throughout the country, and the FDA has received more than 1,600 reports of Paragard^® breakage. A sample of reports shows the types of adverse events typically linked to the IUD. While there are near horror stories about the extreme pain associated with the device's insertion and removal, many opt to undergo this pain for 10 years of non-hormonal birth control. Sadly, there are other risks and side effects to consider, such as:

• Bleeding/spotting in between menstruation
• Heavy cramping
• Heavy bleeding and intense menstrual pain
• Unintentional expulsion of the IUD from the uterus
• Irregular, foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Severe abdominal pain
• Sudden bleeding
• Pain during intercourse
• Worsening pelvic or abdominal pain/ternderness

Broken copper IUDs will often cause similar symptoms, which is why it is important to visit a medical professional if you start experiencing any of the above side effects. If a broken IUD remains unaddressed, it could lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, pelvic infammatory disease (PID), and premature birth, among others.

Removing a Broken Paragard^® IUD

As mentioned, the injury lawsuits focus on when a Paragard^® IUD breaks at the arm when removed or on its own prior to removal. Both cases can require surgical intervention, which often comes as an unexpected surprise. Another common injury is when the arm remains stuck inside the uterus during pregnancy. This can lead to significant complications for the mother and the fetus. The common surgeries used to remove copper IUD arm are as follows: Hysteroscopy, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy, Hysterectomy. And every surgery comes with its own risks, and, sadly, they can render a person unable to become pregnant or carry a child in the future.

You Have Rights

Paragard^® isn't the first IUD to make headlines for lawsuits. Thousands of women filed lawsuits against Bayer, claiming the Mirena IUD migrated from the uterus and perforated organs. These women required surgery to treat complications. The drug company ended up paying over $12.2 million to settle 4,000 claims.

Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to warn consumers and/or patients of risks associated with their products. Therefore, you can hold Paragard^® IUD, Inc. accountable for the harm done to you by filing a product liability lawsuit with the help of a professional attorney.

Consumer Coalition cares about the reproductive rights of all individuals, and we believe that those seeking birth control should be fully and adequately warned of any risks associated with the method they choose. Consumer Coalition has been at the forefront of holding medical device manufacturers accountable for the harm their products cause. If you or a loved one has been subjected to invasive medical procedures and/or injured as a result of the Paragard^® IUD, you may be able to recover money damages for doctor bills (including fertility treatments), lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

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