Is Paragard IUD a Safe Birth Control Device? Things Women Need to Know
Modern women want to choose the birth control option that they feel is conducive to them. Today, thousands of American women opt for the Paragard IUD as a long-term birth control method. Since it’s hormone-free, the device is a prominent one in the United States.
However, despite being famous today, several lawsuits have been filed against Paragard with complaints about manufacturing flaws. Many women have complained that the device broke during or before removal. As an after-effect, it left behind pieces of plastic or copper in the uterus or other organs.
This is indeed a serious issue that must be addressed. The leftover materials, irrespective of whether they are copper or plastic, can result in long-term health issues, for instance, infertility or pain. There have been cases where women needed additional surgery to remove these pieces of the device from their bodies.
What appeared safe to many women turned out to be a menace at the time of removal and even otherwise. In this article, we will shed light on whether the Paragard IUD is a safe birth control choice for women or not. We will also to8uch upon the hazards of this device that women should be aware of so that they can make an informed decision.
Manufacturers Failed to Warm Women
Almost every woman who has filed a Paragard lawsuit claims that she didn’t know about the probable risks of this device and wants to get covered for the damages they have endured. Most of the allegations came right after the FDA in 2019 asked the makers of this device, Teva Pharmaceuticals, to add a warning note to the device. They were asked to let users know that the Paragard IUD has a chance to break inside the body.
Today, Paragard does include the warning of device breakage, but they haven’t shared details on how this mishap took place. The makers have placed a warning that the plastic threads of the IUD can retract in a woman’s uterus or might just break. It also mentions that the device can get expelled or perforate the uterus.
This update might be useful for women who are presently using this device as their birth control option. They can become aware of the complications when they decide to remove the device and ask for extra care during the process.
However, the problem is that by the time the warning was issued, several women had already started using this device. These women might have faced issues like device breakage or other side effects.
TorHoerman Law states that if any woman has been affected by the Paragard IUD in terms of device breakage or perforation, they have a chance to file a legal complaint. They need to present their medical records and other healthcare data as proof to file a lawsuit and seek the fair compensation that they deserve for enduring the pain and suffering. For this, it is always best to work with an expert lawyer who can guide them through the process.
Side-Effects of Paragard IUD
Other than device breakage inside the body and perforation, there are several other side effects of inserting the Paragard IUD. The common ones that need to know before they decide to opt in for this birth control method are:
Heavy Periods & Increased Cramping
It’s very normal to witness cramping at the time of Paragard IUD insertion, or even after that. A few women might find that their cramps resolve quickly. However, for others, it can last for several weeks. There is a possibility that the cramping will be accompanied by periods. There’s a chance for women to experience heavy periods for longer durations.
According to the clinical trial results, the changes in the menstrual cycle are a reason for which most women eventually decide to stop using this IUD. The side effects last for about 3 to 6 months and then gradually start to subside.
A few OTC pain relievers might help to bring down cramping, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or naproxen (Aleve). However, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medicine to reduce the side effects.
Spotting or Breakthrough Bleeding
Women might also notice spotting or breakthrough bleeding other than heavy periods because of the Paragard IUD. The symptoms start to get better after 3 to 6 months. But bleeding can also be a sign of other side effects of this device. It comprises infection and ectopic pregnancy. Hence, if you experience bleeding besides various other symptoms, such as fever and pain, you must talk to a doctor.
Back Pain
Women often complain of back pain linked with Paragard IUD right after the insertion. Just like cramping, even back pain can be managed using OTC pain relievers along with a heating pad. With time, the symptoms should improve. However, the lower back pain may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, as well. Therefore, it is necessary not to take this symptom lightly and to get it checked by a doctor.
Vaginitis
A few women also develop vaginitis as an after-effect of using the Paragard IUD. Here, the visible symptoms will be an unpleasant odor, abnormal discharge, and an itching and burning sensation. There are instances where the vaginitis from this device might happen because of bacterial vaginosis, which is a bacterial infection.
Chances are you will have to apply a prescription gel or cream or take an antibiotic pill to treat this. However, abnormal discharge and odor can also point towards pelvic inflammatory disease.
IUD Movement or Expulsion
There is a possibility of facing expulsion when you are using the Paragard IUD. It takes place when the device is completely or even partially pushed out of the uterus. The device can move and get stuck inside the uterus wall. Women need to undergo surgery to remove the device in this case.
Summing up, the Paragard IUD did act as an effective birth control option for many women. However, instances of device breakage and expulsion, accompanied by other side effects, have raised concerns about its safety. Therefore, women must research this device thoroughly before opting for it. Those who have used this device and suffered should seek both medical and legal assistance.
