According to Lawrence Finer of the Guttmacher Institute, intrauterine devices (IUDs) are becoming more popular in America. Moreover, among all of the women using contraceptives in the country, 7.5% were implanted with intrauterine devices by 2009. A significant 100% increase compared to previous years. Finer, who is working for a population control association, believes that women are making the right choice by using IUDs instead of less effective birth control methods.
The Mirena Intrauterine Device
The Mirena IUD is a long-acting contraceptive method that is also reversible. Since this IUD is the only hormonal intrauterine device available, it has dominated the IUD market. This device was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the year 2000. Additionally, Bayer, the manufacturer of Mirena IUD, has spent more than $10 million on advertising. The manufacturer states that the hormonal intrauterine device not only prevents conception, but also averts embryo implantation in the uterine wall (endometrium).
Growing Popularity Of The Device
According to Lawrence Finer, “women born in the United States appear to be ‘catching up’ to women born outside the United States, who already had a higher level of use, likely due to a greater prevalence of these methods in Mexico.” However, unlike women in the United States, the women in Mexico are forced to use the device. According to reports, Mexican women who recently gave birth are told by the government to either use the device or have their tubes tied.
The IUD is also highly used in China. Over 40% of women in China are using intrauterine devices. Sadly, Chinese women, much like Mexican women, are forced to use contraceptives by the country’s population control authorities.
Truth About IUDs
Intrauterine devices are referred to as contraceptives. But in reality, the device is somewhat like an abortion tool because it blocks an embryo from attaching itself on the uterine wall.
Side Effects Associated With The Hormonal IUDs
Mirena IUDs are associated with a number of side effects. Also, many injured women have already filed Mirena lawsuit. The following are some of the side effects associated with the hormonal IUD:
- Spotting and intermenstrual bleeding
- Amenorrhea
- Pain in the abdomen
- Migraine
- Pain in the pelvis
- Cysts in the ovary
- Depression
Moreover, the hormonal intrauterine device may embed itself in the uterus, causing significant damage and perforation. When this happens, a surgery is required to take out the IUD. In addition, according to a warning statement by the FDA, “at least 5% of Mirena IUD users reported decreased libido in clinical trials.”
Lawsuits Related To The IUD
Many of the women who were injured by the hormonal IUD have approached personal injury law firms, such as the Rottenstein Law Group, to seek assistance in filing lawsuits against the manufacturer of Mirena IUDs. These law firms have set up websites like the Rottenstein Law Group’s rotlaw.com to relay information regarding the lawsuits related to the hormonal IUD.