Working women who are always on the go want advanced birth control options. They want a solution that will not come in the way of leading their lives and accomplishing all that they have to. Keeping this objective in mind, the Paragard IUD (intrauterine device) seemed to be a perfect fit.
The Paragard IUD is a prescription birth control device that can be inserted into the body by a doctor and is effective for 10 years. It has been approved by the FDA to prevent pregnancy. However, women can replace it after 10 years or remove it before that if they want to. But what was supposed to be beneficial for women turned out to be a cause of pain and suffering.
According to WJLA News 7, which is an affiliate station of ABC in Los Angeles, more than 3,200 women who opted for the Paragard IUD faced device fractures at the time of removal. It had left sharp device pieces inside their bodies, which required costly surgery to get it removed.
In this article, we will speak about such fatal incidents related to Paragard IUD, other side effects, and how victims can seek legal compensation for it.
What Ashlie Gilbert Faced with Her IUD?
The Paragard IUD is a T-shaped, small device that is a quarter size. It has flexible arms that are supposed to hold the device intact and in the correct place while in use. During the removal process, it’s supposed to flex upward. However, the device has a design defect that makes the arms lose their flexibility and become brittle with time. This is the main reason for device fracture inside the body.
The WJLA news also shared the tragic predicament of Ashlie Gilbert, which resonates with most women who have used Paragard IUDs. She is one of several thousands of women who were in shock after realizing a part of the IUD device had broken inside her body during the removal process.
When she was 18, Ashlie got this device implanted at her uterus base. What appealed to her about the Paragard IUD is that it is a non-hormonal birth control option and promised to be effective for a long time–at least 10 years.
Right after 10 years, Ashlie wanted to remove the device and fixed an appointment with her OB/GYN. The removal process was supposed to be a 5-minute procedure. But to her shock, it was a nightmare. She shared that when her doctor took out the IUD, a part of it was missing because it broke inside her uterus. If only she knew about this hazard, she wouldn’t have ever opted for this device.
Many women, like Ashlie, were ignorant of IUD fractures inside their bodies until they decided to get it removed. If this is what you experienced as well, you must file a Paragard IUD lawsuit and claim legal compensation for all the suffering and damage you’ve undergone. Other than helping you attain justice, it will raise awareness about the negative aspects of this device, so that women can think twice before opting in for it.
Other Side Effects of Paragard IUD
Apart from device breakage, there are other side effects of Paragard IUDs that women should be aware of. The common ones reported by women in clinical trials are:
- Cramps and pain during periods
- Anemia
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Back pain
- Heavy bleeding and spotting
- Cramps after inserting the IUD
- Changes in periods after IUD insertion
- Vaginitis
The degree to which these sides affect women is never the same for all. For instance, those who already suffer from back pain might find it to aggravate after inserting the device. Therefore, women must get the correct medical treatment for the same so that they don’t fall weak and recover from the side effects at the earliest.
Women must document their suffering and keep medical records handy while filing a lawsuit. It will help their respective lawyers decide on a settlement payout that is case-specific.
TorHoerman Law states that, on average, plaintiffs can expect to receive a payout amount between $10,000 and $400,000. However, this is not a final estimation, and the amount can vary based on individual suffering. Usually, if the damages are severe, the compensation tends to be higher.
In conclusion, modern-day women should exercise their discretion before opting for a birth control option available on the market. Often, what looks and promises to be useful might turn out to be troublesome. This is exactly what happened with the Paragard IUDs. Women must stay informed about the probable dangers of IUDs and consult their healthcare providers before opting for one.
