A new study in the journal Contraception has found that IUDs are becoming the most common form of birth control women are using. The study found that 42% of women have an IUD. However, no one is informing women of the horrific removal side effects of one IUD in particular – Paragard.
About Paragard
Manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Paragard IUD provides a long-term birth control approved by the FDA since 1984. In 1984, the FDA approved for use of only 4 years. In 1994, the use extended to 10 years. However, some are misguided to think the device can last up to 12 years.
The Paragard® Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive is a small, T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) used to prevent pregnancy for up to ten years. Unlike other IUDs that use hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy, the ParaGard IUD is a non-hormonal IUD that releases copper to prevent fertilization. Literature brags of a pregnancy rate of less than 1 per 100 women each year.
Two monofilament stands affix to the bottom portion of the Paragard with a wire coil wrapped around the device. The chemical makeup of the wire is undisclosed from the NDA application. The fiber plastic is also commonly used to make fishing line. This plastic with the human body causes it to deionize over time.
Paragard Removal Side Effect
According to a new study, more women are turning to IUDs as a form of contraception. However, there has been an increase in risks associated with the device as well. The most common of these is when the device’s T-arm breaks. Unlike Mirena or Skyla, the T-arm in Paragard does not bend.
Either during use or removal, the T-arm breaks. Due to the nature of removal, the uterus will contract. Once the device breaks and the uterus contracts, the broken arm disappears into the body. Usually, the broken arm is sharp and perforates the uterine wall. All arm breaks happen in the same place.
Then, a doctor recommends ultrasound or laparoscopy to find the fragment. However, puncturing the uterine wall too many times will prevent future pregnancies. Many doctors recommend 1-2 years after the arm breaks to attempt a pregnancy.
Arm Break Complications
This dangerous complication can impair fertility and lead to painful surgeries at an attempt of removal. These include hysteroscopy, laparotomy and in some cases, a complete hysterectomy. However, many times retrieval of the arm is impossible.
Therefore, the risk of surgeries includes infection, bleeding, PID, tearing of the uterus or damage to the cervix, and complications from fluid or gas used in the procedure.
Paragard T-Arm Break Study
In 2015, the Open Journal of Clinical & Medical Case Reports published a study of Chicago gynecologists within a 3-year time frame. The study found 7 issues over the three years of a T-arm break. All required a hysteroscopic removal. One study participant was unable to have the arm removed. Experts suggested that these breaks are heavily underreported.
Get Compensation for Paragard IUD Breaks
If you or someone you love had a Paragard IUD that had a T-arm break, help is available. Financial compensation could be available. Contact us today to set up a free consultation during which we will listen to your story and discuss your legal rights and options. If you choose us to represent you, we will work with you on a contingency fee basis; this means you pay nothing until we have secured compensation for you, either through a jury verdict or settlement.