Concerns raised over Essure implants

Concerns have been raised by a number of women in Northern Ireland regarding the implantation of Essure sterilization devices.

Essure is a permanent, non-surgical form of birth control used to sterilise women. The device is implanted into the fallopian tubes and is designed to stop eggs reaching the womb.

The device manufactured by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals was removed from the UK market in 2017 with Bayer claiming that the decision was “purely commercial”.

From January 2019, following restrictions imposed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the selling and distribution of Essure were banned in America, however, of concern is the fact that Healthcare providers can implant Essure up to one year from the date of the device’s purchase.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that following the loss of Essure’s CE Certificate in 2017, it had asked Trusts to isolate existing stock and to suspend the use of the product.

The impact of the Essure implant

Thousands of women in the UK and US claim that the implant has led them to experience a variety of complications. These include:

• Abdominal pain
• Irregular periods
• Allergies
• Damage to the uterus or fallopian tube due to the movement of the implant.

How can Thompsons NI help?

Thompsons NI is currently representing a number of ladies in respect of clinical negligence cases arising out of the implantation of Essure devices but has left them suffering complications and in chronic pain.

If you have concerns about your Essure implant, please contact Joanne Kerr or Oonagh McClure on 02890 890450 for a free, no-obligation consultation or complete our online claim form. Alternatively, visit our medical negligence page for more information on starting a claim.