Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) like Paragard have been popular long-term birth control options. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in Paragard lawsuits. Women report severe concerns from alleged Paragard IUD failure and breakage. Also, there have been multiple reports of PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease) caused by Paragard use.
Although PID is a rare condition, it has emerged as a serious side effect of Paragard. In as little as the first 20 days of use, Paragard puts women at risk for PID. PID from Paragard can be caused for several reasons. Let us examine the microbiological perspective on how Paragard may contribute to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
What is a Paragard IUD?
Paragard is a type of intrauterine device (IUD) designed for long-term contraception. This small, T-shaped plastic device, wrapped in copper, is inserted into the uterus through a brief medical procedure. Unlike hormonal IUDs, Paragard inhibits sperm movement, egg fertilization, and potential implantation. It is non-hormonal, making it ideal for people who prefer or need to avoid hormonal contraception.
Paragard is long-lasting, providing effective contraception for a maximum of ten years; however, it can be removed sooner if desired. It is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and starts working immediately after insertion. Additionally, fertility usually returns quickly after removal. However, there have been reports of Paragard IUDs breaking during removal, causing fractures and complications.
The Microbial Link Between Paragard and PID
PID is an infection-induced inflammation of the female upper genital tract structures. It can cause infertility, preterm labor, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy in women of reproductive age. PID is primarily caused by vaginal microorganisms that rise from the cervix and vagina to the upper genital tract.
The endocervical canal acts as a barrier, separating the vaginal ecosystem from the typically sterile upper genital tract. Most normal, healthy females have a diverse vaginal flora that includes potentially pathogenic bacteria. These include Prevotella, Leptotrichia, Atopobium, and other anaerobes.
Disruption of the endocervical canal barrier allows vaginal bacteria to enter the upper genital organs. This can infect the endometrium, endosalpinx, ovaries, pelvic peritoneum, and underlying stroma.
When an intrauterine device, such as Paragard, is placed in the uterus, it may compromise this barrier. Disruption of the endocervical canal allows vaginal bacteria to infect upper genital organs, leading to PID.
Lower genital tract bacteria cause PID only in some females, but it is not applicable to everyone. The reasons are genetic differences in immune response, estrogen levels influencing cervical mucus viscosity, and the bacterial load of pathogens.
Lawsuits Surrounding Paragard
The Paragard lawsuit targets manufacturers Teva Pharmaceuticals and CooperSurgical. It claims they failed to warn patients about possible device breakage and complications. These lawsuits are being handled in multidistrict litigation (MDL), with many individual cases proceeding before a single judge.
As of May 2024, the company has faced 2,731 lawsuits in Georgia federal court under MDL 2974. TorHoerman Law reports that ten representative Paragard IUD defect cases will be included in the 2025 Bellwether trials. The Paragard MDL is overseen by Judge Leigh Martin May, who has turned down multiple attempts to dismiss these lawsuits. Furthermore, lawyers across the country are currently filing new Paragard IUD lawsuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible for an IUD to lead to pelvic inflammatory disease?
Women using an IUD for over five years rarely develop PID. This indicates that IUDs may not need to be replaced as frequently. Additionally, age is a significant factor in the risk of PID. Women under 25 years old are two to three times more likely to develop PID than those over 25.
What are Paragard IUD lawsuits?
Paragard IUD lawsuits have been filed against Teva Pharmaceuticals and CooperSurgical. They manufacture the Paragard IUD, a non-hormonal IUD for long-term birth control. Female consumers bring Paragard IUD lawsuits, claiming the device is flawed. They assert that makers didn’t sufficiently warn of its tendency to break during removal. The claim is the subject of an ongoing MDL in federal court.
Am I eligible to initiate a lawsuit regarding a Paragard IUD?
If your Paragard IUD breaks into pieces during removal, you may be eligible to initiate a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Consider consulting an experienced Paragard lawyer to determine if you are eligible to file an IUD lawsuit. Most reputable Paragard attorneys provide a free consultation.
Why should I file a Paragard IUD lawsuit?
Women who have filed IUD (Paragard) lawsuits report that Paragard cracked during removal. This leaves fragments inside their bodies. Some women needed medical surgery to get rid of the tool and address complications. The lawsuit would help you claim compensation for this.
While Paragard is an effective long-term birth control method, the possibility of serious complications, including PID, should not be overlooked. The ongoing Paragard MDL highlights the need for more research and transparency regarding the risks associated with this device. Women must be fully informed about these risks to make the best decisions about their reproductive health.
