There have been numerous lawsuits related to defective Mirena intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD). This hormone-based contraceptive is a T-shaped device that is implanted directly into the uterus by a trained medical professional. It is thought to be the most effective form of reversible birth control, as it can remain in the body for up to five years, but this brand in particular has become the subject of serious complications.
Many women who were implanted with the Mirena IUD have complained of adverse side-effects—including severe pain and discomfort, the development of abscesses, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, a perforated uterus and/or intestines, permanent infertility and erosion of the areas surrounding the uterus (including the vagina).
Many of these complications were the direct result of the IUD slipping out of place or migrating from its original position in the uterus. In many cases, this caused the device to perforate the uterine wall or embed itself in the uterus—subsequently requiring a surgical procedure to remove it. In other cases, it was reported that the device migrated outside of the uterine cavity completely, causing life-threatening complications.
Although this is not necessarily a defect in the product, some women have also reacted negatively to the synthetic hormones that are released by the intrauterine contraceptive. The T-shaped device will release a low dose of levonorgestrel, which is designed to thin the lining of the uterus and thicken the cervical mucus—thus preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.
