Paragard is an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) that can be implanted in the uterus to minimize a woman’s chances of getting pregnant. While ineffective against sexually transmitted diseases, this device uses a copper filament to prevent sperm from fertilizing eggs, while also preventing fertilized eggs from attaching to the uterine wall. Paragard IUD has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the past 30 years since the device’s conception in 1988.
In 2014, a woman in Nebraska filed a lawsuit against the makers of Paragard, arguing that she was not aware of the device’s potential for breakage upon having it removed. During the attempted removal, a part of the IUD broke off and remained inside her body. She needed surgeries to have the piece extracted. Ultimately, her case was dismissed after it was established Paragard did provide adequate warnings of the device’s potential to break.
Since then, other claimants have filed lawsuits complaining of various complications related to the IUD.
Paragard IUD: Key Facts and Considerations
Paragard is a hormone-free intrauterine device (IUD) that provides effective, long-term birth control for up to 10 years. This small, T-shaped device is placed in the uterus by a healthcare provider and uses copper to prevent pregnancy.
How Paragard Works
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Copper Release:
Paragard releases copper ions, which interfere with sperm movement and function, making it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg. -
Prevents Implantation:
Copper may also alter the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood of implantation if fertilization does occur.
Key Features
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Hormone-Free:
Paragard contains no hormones, making it suitable for those who prefer or require non-hormonal birth control. -
Long-Lasting:
Offers up to 10 years of pregnancy prevention. -
Immediately Reversible:
Fertility returns quickly after removal, which can be done at any time by a healthcare provider. -
Emergency Contraception:
Paragard can be used as emergency contraception if inserted within five days after unprotected sex. -
Placement:
Inserted during a routine office visit by a trained healthcare professional. -
Cost-Effective:
Can be a cost-effective, long-term alternative to sterilization.
Suitability
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Not for Everyone:
Paragard is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, have certain infections, or specific uterine conditions. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary.
Potential Side Effects
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Common Side Effects:
Heavier or longer periods, cramping, and back pain—especially in the first few months after insertion. -
Less Common Risks:
Increased risk of infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, and a small risk of ectopic pregnancy if pregnancy occurs with the device in place. -
Other Risks:
Expulsion (the IUD coming out), and, rarely, breakage during removal.
Important Considerations
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Consult Your Healthcare Provider:
Discuss your medical history and whether Paragard is appropriate for you. -
Know the Risks and Symptoms:
Be informed about potential side effects and complications. Seek prompt medical attention for symptoms such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection. -
Removal:
If you wish to discontinue use or experience adverse effects, Paragard can be safely removed by your healthcare provider.
IUDs Have a Long History of Controversy and Unintended Side Effects
The origins of IUDs can be traced back to the early 20th century, achieving widespread use in the 1970s and 1980s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), IUDs have always carried a risk of side effects, like most contraceptives. The Paragard website notes that one of the leading side effects of their product is heavier and longer periods, common to women who are switching from a different contraceptive or have just recently had the device implanted.
However, some of the more severe risk factors include:
- The development of pelvic inflammatory disease, which may include fever, severe abdominal pain, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Difficult removals
- Perforation, or the chances of piercing the uterine wall
- Expulsion, where the device falls out or is expelled from the body
- The chances of infection if the IUD was not property sanitized before implementation
- Anemia
The makers of Paragard IUD advised that any woman who experiences these complications should seek prompt medical attention.
Paragard IUD Users May Not Understand Risks
Information from the Paragard website boasts that their device is over 99% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy, placing the product on the same tier as hormonal IUDs or complete sterilization.
Those who ultimately choose to have a Paragard IUD implanted likely do so for a number of reasons, including:
- A desire to have an effective safeguard against unwanted pregnancy
- A distrust of condoms’ reliability
- The want for spontaneous sexual encounters that are not interrupted by taking a contraceptive
- A desire to use an intrauterine contraceptive device that does not rely on hormones to prevent pregnancy
This, in a nutshell, is what the Paragard IUD is. The main goal is to provide reliable family planning for patients who want to minimize the risk of unwanted pregnancy through sexual intercourse.
A Broken Paragard IUD May Cause Further Health Problems
The basis of emerging lawsuits is that the makers of Paragard did not provide sufficient warning to prospective patients about their product’s risk factors. By failing to note that the device has the potential to break apart in the body, claimants are arguing that they suffered extensive damages resulting from medical bills and emotional trauma.
The Open Access Journal of Contraception reports that uterine perforation is an exceptionally uncommon occurrence of IUDs but is not unheard of. The makers of these products must be open about the device’s ability to pierce the uterus so that potential patients can make informed decisions about their sexual health.
When a Paragard IUD breaks apart in the body, it may lead to:
- Organ damage resulting from perforation
- Emergency surgery to remove every piece of the IUD
- Serious infection, especially if the broken device goes undetected or untreated for a significant period of time
Any negative health outcomes that you have suffered because of a Paragard IUD may be grounds for a civil action. Seek legal assistance today to speak about the possibility of pursuing compensation for your losses.
Call Our Team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today
If you or a loved one has suffered health complications from a Paragard IUD, you have the opportunity to seek financial recovery to pay for medical bills, missed time off work, and other losses. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we fight for the rights of those who have been injured by defective products. To begin your free case review, call us today at 1-800-747-3733.
