Intrauterine devices are used to prevent pregnancy for the long-term. These T-shaped devices must be inserted by a physician, but then they can stay in place for 3, 5, or even up to 10 years, depending on the one you pick. These devices look very similar but they work in slightly different ways, but when they are removed, fertility quickly returns. Mirena lawsuit information suggests that certain IUD devices may cause serious side effects in some patients.
The four most popular FDA-approved IUDs on the market today are Paragard, Mirena, Skyla and Kyleena. While Paragard is made by TEVA Women’s Health, a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., the other three devices are made by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals.
Comparison of IUDs
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Paragard is a hormone free device that uses copper to prevent sperm from reaching or fertilizing the egg. The small device is inserted into the uterus using a small catheter and can remain in place for up to 10 years. Paragard is 99.2 to 99.4 percent effective and can be used by women who have not had children.
The Mirena device releases 20 mcg of the progestin hormone levonorgestrel which the device maker believes may cause the lining of the uterus to thin while making cervical mucus too think to allow for the sperm to travel. Mirena is 99.8 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and can remain in place for up to 5 years. It is recommended for use only in women who have had at least one pregnancy.
Skyla is just a scaled down version of Mirena. It’s a few millimeters smaller than Mirena, and it releases less hormone; about 14 mcg per day. Skyla is up to 99.1 percent effective and can be left in place for up to 3 years. Skyla can be used by women who have and have not had a child.
Kyleena is a newcomer and is much like Mirena except that it releases 17.5 mcg a day of levonorgestrel and has the same smaller stature of Skyla. The device is over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and can be kept in place for 5 years, and can be used by women who have and have not had a child.
Side Effects of IUDs
There are risks no matter which type of device you decide to use which is why they come in different sizes and strengths. Some of the most common side effects experienced by women who use IUDs include:
Menstruation issues are more common with the copper IUD, including increased bleeding, cramping and spotting in between cycles. Hormone based IUDs may reduce these types of side effects. Device expulsion is another risk and know that if this happens, you are no longer protected from pregnancy.
These devices can move and get stuck and perforate the uterus and potentially migrate to other areas of the abdomen. Lawsuits have been filed on behalf of many women who have suffered some of the thousands of adverse events that have been associated with certain devices. If you or a woman you love has been serious injured by an IUD device, speak with a Mirena attorney about the options that may be available to you.
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