Over 750,000 women received Essure permanent birth control since the device’s FDA approval in 2002. Of these, at least 16,000 women filed lawsuits due to serious complications. Many women opt for Essure removal, which can lead to even more health problems. While Essure removal is a good first step to alleviating your symptoms, doing it the right way preserves evidence to use later in court.
If your doctor doesn’t completely remove Essure, your symptoms may just get worse. And it’s important to preserve evidence even if a lawsuit isn’t currently on your radar. Essure is dangerous, and many women sue just to cover their medical expenses after removal. Even if the device hasn’t seriously hurt you yet, it still could in the future. So if you’re ready to remove Essure, follow the tips we’ve listed below. That way, you can use any evidence from your Essure removal procedure to strengthen your compensation claim later on.
Essure Removal Tips for Women Who Need to Preserve Evidence
Tip #1: Talk to a specialist about removing your coils intact
The way Essure works can make this a difficult request — but it’s important for preserving evidence! Many OB/GYN doctors are not familiar with this specialized removal process. Instead, most are trained to simply remove your uterus and fallopian tubes (hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy). But if your doctor doesn’t completely remove the entire device, tiny metal fragments can stay inside you. These could leave PET fibers behind, causing even more pain and complications.
Explain to your specialist that after your Essure removal, you want all your specimens either:
- Retained indefinitely in the pathology department, or
- Sent directly to your lawyer for use as evidence in litigation.
This request must happen before your surgery, not after! Doctors are quick to assert that complete Essure removal is very hard to do. Dr. Sarah Cohen states, “…the outer portion of the Essure microinsert is brittle and at risk of breaking if subjected to too much tension or electrocautery.” Ask your doctor if removing Essure intact is even possible for you. Your doctor may not know until surgery’s underway, but you should still make (and document) this request.
Tip #2: Document the entire Essure removal process from start to finish
Documentation is the best evidence to provide in court. Photos and videos work best, especially if they involve conversations with your doctor or the actual device removal. You’ll need the doctor’s permission to record everything, of course. Audio recordings are also quite helpful. Be sure to ask for complete medical records involving your removal procedure. You may have to pay for them, but they are invaluable if you experience any complications. Your Essure attorney can also help you determine which evidence best supports your case. Talking to a lawyer about preserving evidence before removal is always a good idea!
Tip #3: If removing your entire fallopian tube, ask the doctor to section it at 4mm intervals
This request is very specific, but important for supporting your claim. Doctors that specialize in Essure removal say this is the best possible way to preserve evidence. Doctors often use 4mm sections in pathological examinations to determine how much the device damaged your reproductive organs.
A lawsuit isn’t the only reason to ask your doctor about Essure removal. But preserving evidence is crucial if you do plan to file a claim — especially if you suffer complications during your Essure removal process.
What Issues Usually Lead to Essure Removal?
Bayer (the company that makes and sells Essure) issued a voluntary device recall in July 2018. That recall came shortly after the FDA ordered Bayer to restrict the device’s sales. Many women that need Essure removal report one or more of the following complications:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Unusual bleeding, cramping or pain
- Punctured internal organs from dislodged coils or metal fragments
- Allergic reactions to nickel or other metals in Essure’s coils
You May Qualify for Financial Compensation After Your Essure Removal
If you or someone you love required Essure removal due to injuries, you may qualify for financial compensation. To see if you may qualify for a cash settlement, complete your free Essure claim evaluation online today. Once you’ve answered three questions and submitted your information, an experienced lawyer will call to discuss your case. This phone call is the first step towards getting the justice and compensation you deserve from the device’s manufacturer.
Related: 3 Questions to Ask Your Essure Lawyer During Your Free Consultation