IUD Complications: Understanding Your Rights and Leg...

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are among the most popular forms of long-term birth control, trusted by millions of women worldwide. When your doctor recommends an IUD, you place tremendous trust in both your healthcare provider and the device manufacturer to keep you safe. However, thousands of women have experienced serious, life-altering complications from defective IUDs that have broken, migrated, perforated organs, or caused other severe injuries.

If you've experienced complications from an IUD, you're not alone, and you have legal rights. This comprehensive guide will help you understand IUD complications, recognize warning signs, know when to seek medical attention, understand your legal options, and find the support you need.

What Is an IUD and How Does It Work?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are considered highly effective long-term contraception, with failure rates of less than 1%. They work in one of two ways:

Hormonal IUDs

These devices release progestin, a synthetic hormone that:

Thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching eggs
Thins the uterine lining
Sometimes prevents ovulation

Hormonal IUDs include Mirena, Skyla, Kyleena, and Liletta.

Copper IUDs

These devices are wrapped in copper wire that:

Creates an inflammatory response that is toxic to sperm
Prevents fertilization
Does not use hormones

The Paragard IUD is the primary copper IUD available in the United States and can remain in place for up to 10 years.

Types of IUDs and Their Specific Issues

Paragard (Copper IUD)

Paragard has been the subject of numerous lawsuits due to a serious defect: the device can break during removal, with pieces remaining embedded in the uterus or migrating to other parts of the body.

Known Paragard Issues:

Device breakage during removal, with arms breaking off
Embedded fragments requiring surgical removal
Perforation of the uterine wall
Migration to abdominal cavity
Severe pain and bleeding
Need for invasive surgeries including hysterectomy

Mirena (Hormonal IUD)

Mirena, manufactured by Bayer, has also been associated with serious complications including:

Uterine perforation
Migration through the uterine wall
Embedded device requiring surgical removal
Ectopic pregnancy
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Ovarian cysts

Skyla and Kyleena (Hormonal IUDs)

These smaller hormonal IUDs, also manufactured by Bayer, have been associated with similar complications to Mirena, including perforation, migration, and embedment.

Common IUD Complications

While IUDs are generally safe for many women, serious complications do occur more frequently than many patients realize.

IUD Perforation

Uterine perforation occurs when the IUD punctures through the wall of the uterus. This can happen during insertion or over time as the device migrates. Perforation rates vary but may be higher than initially reported.

Symptoms of IUD Perforation:

Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
Unusual bleeding or spotting
Pain during intercourse
Missing IUD strings
Feeling the IUD in an abnormal location
Symptoms of infection

Consequences of Perforation:

Damage to surrounding organs (intestines, bladder, blood vessels)
Internal bleeding
Infection and sepsis
Emergency surgery to retrieve the device
Permanent organ damage
Infertility

IUD Migration

Even when initially placed correctly, an IUD can migrate from its intended position. The device may:

Move partially out of the uterus (expulsion)
Embed in the uterine wall
Perforate and migrate into the abdominal cavity
Travel to other organs

Migration can occur without obvious symptoms, which is why regular check-ups to confirm IUD placement are crucial.

IUD Embedment

Embedment occurs when the IUD becomes partially or completely embedded in the muscular wall of the uterus. This can:

Make removal extremely difficult or impossible without surgery
Cause severe pain
Increase risk of perforation
Require hysteroscopic surgery or even hysterectomy for removal

IUD Expulsion

Sometimes the uterus naturally expels the IUD, either partially or completely. While expulsion itself may not cause injury, it:

Leaves you unprotected against pregnancy
Can cause cramping and bleeding
May occur without you realizing it
Requires insertion of a new device if you want to continue this contraception method

Device Breakage (Especially Paragard)

The Paragard copper IUD has a documented problem with breakage during removal. When the device breaks:

Pieces may remain embedded in the uterus
Fragments may migrate to other parts of the body
Additional surgical procedures are required to locate and remove pieces
Multiple surgeries may be needed
In severe cases, hysterectomy may be necessary

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

IUD insertion slightly increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, particularly in the first few weeks after insertion. PID is a serious infection of the reproductive organs that can lead to:

Chronic pelvic pain
Scarring of reproductive organs
Infertility
Ectopic pregnancy
Abscess formation

Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention

If you have an IUD and experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately:

Emergency Symptoms

Severe abdominal or pelvic pain that is sudden or unbearable
Heavy bleeding or bleeding that soaks through a pad in an hour
Signs of infection: fever over 100.4°F, chills, severe pain, foul-smelling discharge
Fainting or dizziness suggesting internal bleeding
Inability to feel IUD strings or feeling the hard plastic of the IUD itself
Severe pain during intercourse
Symptoms of pregnancy (missed period, nausea) suggesting device failure or ectopic pregnancy
Severe cramping that doesn't improve with over-the-counter pain medication

Symptoms Requiring Prompt Medical Evaluation

Changes in bleeding patterns that concern you
Persistent pelvic pain
Unusual vaginal discharge
Pain during bowel movements or urination
IUD strings that feel longer or shorter than usual
Lower back pain that is new or unusual
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

Don't let anyone dismiss your symptoms as "normal IUD side effects." You know your body—trust your instincts and advocate for proper evaluation and care.

Long-Term Health Consequences of IUD Complications

For many women, IUD complications result in serious, lasting health impacts:

Reproductive Health Impact

Infertility: Scarring, infection, or damage from complications can impact fertility
Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy: A life-threatening condition
Chronic pelvic pain: Ongoing pain that affects daily life and relationships
Painful intercourse: Impacting intimate relationships and quality of life
Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus, ending fertility

Physical Health Impact

Organ damage: Perforation can damage intestines, bladder, or blood vessels
Chronic infections: Recurring infections requiring ongoing treatment
Adhesions and scarring: Internal scarring causing pain and complications
Need for multiple surgeries: Each surgery carries risks and recovery time

Emotional and Mental Health Impact

Depression and anxiety related to chronic pain or infertility
PTSD from traumatic medical experiences
Impact on intimate relationships
Loss of trust in healthcare providers
Stress from medical bills and ongoing treatment needs

Financial Impact

Medical bills from emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatment
Lost wages from time off work
Reduced earning capacity if complications cause disability
Fertility treatment costs if you want to have children
Mental health treatment costs

Removal Complications and Surgical Interventions

Even routine IUD removal can become complicated, particularly with Paragard devices.

Standard Removal vs. Complicated Removal

Standard removal involves gently pulling the IUD strings during a routine office visit. This should be relatively quick and cause minimal discomfort.

Complicated removal may be necessary when:

Strings cannot be located
Device is embedded in uterine wall
Device has migrated
Device breaks during removal attempt

Surgical Removal Procedures

When standard removal fails, you may require:

Hysteroscopy: A procedure using a camera to locate and remove the IUD through the cervix

Laparoscopy: Minimally invasive abdominal surgery to retrieve a migrated device

Laparotomy: Open abdominal surgery for complex retrievals

Hysterectomy: In severe cases, complete removal of the uterus may be recommended

Each of these procedures carries risks including:

Anesthesia complications
Infection
Bleeding
Damage to surrounding organs
Extended recovery time
Significant medical expenses

Your Legal Rights as a Patient

Women who have been harmed by defective IUDs have important legal rights. Medical device manufacturers have a responsibility to:

Design safe products
Adequately test devices before market release
Provide clear warnings about known risks
Monitor safety after devices are on the market
Report serious adverse events to the FDA

When manufacturers fail in these duties, they can be held liable for injuries caused by their defective products.

Product Liability Law

IUD injury claims typically fall under product liability law, which can include:

Design Defects: The product's design is inherently dangerous

Example: Paragard's copper wire and T-bar design may be prone to breakage during removal

Manufacturing Defects: Problems in how specific units were made

Example: Individual devices that are defectively manufactured

Failure to Warn: Inadequate warnings about known risks

Example: Not adequately warning about the risk of breakage, perforation, or migration

What You Can Sue For

If you've been injured by a defective IUD, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages:

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages from missed work
Lost earning capacity if you can't return to your career
Out-of-pocket expenses (travel, medications, home care)

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of quality of life
Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/relationships)
Disfigurement or permanent injury

Punitive Damages:

In cases where manufacturer conduct was particularly egregious, courts may award punitive damages to punish the company and deter similar conduct.

Product Liability and Defective Medical Devices

Understanding how medical device regulation works helps explain how defective products reach the market.

FDA Approval Process

Many assume all medical devices undergo rigorous testing before approval. However, the FDA's 510(k) process allows devices to gain approval by showing they're "substantially equivalent" to devices already on the market—without extensive clinical trials.

This means:

Devices may not undergo extensive human testing
Long-term safety data may be limited
Rare but serious complications may not be discovered until thousands of women have been harmed

Post-Market Surveillance

The FDA relies on voluntary reporting of adverse events. This means:

Many complications go unreported
Problems may not be identified for years
Manufacturers may downplay safety signals
Recalls happen slowly, after many have been injured

Manufacturer Responsibility

Despite these regulatory gaps, manufacturers still have a duty to:

Conduct adequate safety testing
Monitor safety data after market release
Provide accurate information to doctors and patients
Issue appropriate warnings when risks are identified
Recall defective products promptly

When manufacturers prioritize profits over safety, they must be held accountable.

How to Document Your IUD Injury

Proper documentation is crucial for both your medical care and any potential legal claim.

Medical Documentation

Gather and organize:

Records from your IUD insertion appointment
All follow-up visit records
Emergency room records
Hospital admission records if you were hospitalized
Surgical records if you required procedures to remove the device
Imaging studies (ultrasounds, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
Pathology reports if tissue was removed
Records from all specialists who treated you
Prescription records for pain medication or antibiotics
Mental health treatment records if you've received counseling

Product Information

Keep:

Name and type of IUD
Lot number and serial number if available
Date of insertion
Name of doctor who inserted it
Date of any removal attempts
Any patient information materials you received

Personal Documentation

Maintain:

A symptom diary with dates and descriptions
Photos if you have visible injuries or surgical scars
Records of all out-of-pocket expenses
Documentation of missed work
Pay stubs showing income loss
Impact statements from family members
Journal entries describing pain levels and daily impacts

Financial Records

Save:

All medical bills and statements
Insurance explanation of benefits (EOB)
Receipts for medications
Travel expenses for medical care
Costs of home care or assistance needed

Ongoing Lawsuits and Compensation

Thousands of women have filed lawsuits against IUD manufacturers, particularly against Paragard maker CooperSurgical (formerly Teva Pharmaceuticals).

Paragard Lawsuits

The Paragard litigation focuses on allegations that:

The device is defectively designed and prone to breakage
The manufacturer failed to adequately warn about breakage risks
Women suffered serious injuries requiring additional surgeries
The company prioritized profits over patient safety

As of 2024, hundreds of Paragard lawsuits have been consolidated in federal multidistrict litigation (MDL), with more cases being filed regularly.

Mirena and Other Hormonal IUD Lawsuits

Bayer has faced numerous lawsuits over Mirena and other IUD products, with allegations including:

Inadequate warnings about perforation risks
Migration and embedment complications
Serious side effects from hormone release

Joining Ongoing Litigation

If you've been injured by a defective IUD, you may be able to join ongoing litigation. Benefits include:

Your case can proceed more efficiently
Discovery and evidence are shared across cases
Legal precedents benefit all plaintiffs
Manufacturers may be more motivated to settle

An experienced attorney can evaluate whether your case fits within existing litigation or should be filed separately.

Statute of Limitations

Critical: Legal claims have time limits. These vary by state but typically range from 1-4 years from when you discovered (or should have discovered) your injury. Don't wait—these deadlines are strictly enforced, and waiting too long means losing your right to compensation forever.

Why You Should Contact an Attorney

If you've suffered serious complications from an IUD, consulting with an attorney who specializes in medical device injuries is essential.

What an Attorney Can Do

Evaluate your case at no cost to determine if you have a valid claim
Investigate the device, manufacturer, and your specific injuries
Gather evidence including medical records, expert opinions, and product data
Handle all legal proceedings so you can focus on your health
Negotiate with manufacturers who have teams of lawyers protecting their interests
Take your case to trial if necessary to get you fair compensation
Protect your rights and ensure you meet all legal deadlines

No Upfront Costs

Most medical device injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning:

Free initial consultation
No fees unless you win
Attorney fees come from your settlement or award
No risk to you for exploring your options

Why Experience Matters

Medical device litigation is complex, involving:

Medical evidence and expert testimony
Product testing and engineering analysis
Federal and state regulations
Corporate defendants with unlimited resources

An attorney experienced in IUD injury cases understands these complexities and knows how to build a strong case.

Moving Forward After an IUD Injury

Experiencing a serious IUD complication is traumatic. Beyond physical pain, you may be dealing with:

Fear and anxiety about your health
Anger at the manufacturer or your doctor
Grief over lost fertility or reproductive health
Financial stress from medical bills
Relationship strain
Loss of trust in the healthcare system

These feelings are valid and normal. Getting support—both medical and legal—is an important step in your healing journey.

Get Legal Support for Your IUD Injury

You deserve justice and compensation. If you've experienced Paragard breakage, IUD perforation, device migration, or other serious complications, we're here to help.

If you've experienced Paragard breakage, IUD perforation, device migration, embedment requiring surgery, or other serious complications from an IUD, you deserve answers, support, and compensation.

Free Case Evaluation - No Obligation

Connect with experienced IUD injury attorneys today:

✓Specialized Expertise - Attorneys who focus on IUD injury cases
✓No Upfront Costs - You pay nothing unless we recover compensation
✓Proven Results - Track record of successful outcomes for women harmed by defective IUDs
✓Compassionate Support - We understand the sensitive nature of reproductive health injuries
✓Time-Sensitive - Deadlines apply—don't lose your right to compensation

You Deserve Compensation For:

✓All medical expenses related to your IUD injury
✓Additional surgeries required to remove broken pieces or repair damage
✓Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
✓Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
✓Loss of fertility or reproductive health
✓Reduced quality of life
✓Any permanent injuries or disabilities

Start Your Free Case Evaluation Now

Don't let legal deadlines pass. Every day that passes is a day closer to potentially losing your right to seek compensation. Our compassionate legal team is ready to:

Listen to your story without judgment
Answer all your questions about the legal process
Evaluate your case and explain your options
Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
Hold negligent manufacturers accountable

You trusted your IUD to protect your reproductive health. Instead, you were harmed by a defective product. You deserve justice, answers, and compensation for everything you've been through.

Take the first step today—contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation. There's no risk, no obligation, and no cost unless we win your case. Let us help you get the support you need and the compensation you deserve.

You're not just another case number to us—you're a woman who deserves to have her voice heard and her rights protected. We're here to fight for you.