Hundreds of UK women can now take legal action over Essure device

Two hundred women in the UK who claim they were left in pain after having a permanent contraception device fitted, can now take group legal action through the courts, against its manufacturer.

The Essure coil "has caused irreparable damage physically and mentally", the women's lawyers say.

German maker Bayer says it will defend itself vigorously against the claims.

When Essure was withdrawn from sale, in 2017, the UK medicines regulator said there was no risk to safety.

Lawyers in England began legal action in 2020 and now have permission to bring a group claim on behalf of 200 women.

Other women wishing to join the group action have until 2024 to do so.

The Essure device is a small metal coil inserted into a woman's fallopian tubes. Scar tissue forms around the coil, creating a barrier that keeps sperm from reaching the eggs.

Launched in 2002, the device was marketed as a simpler alternative to sterilisation by surgery.

But some women say they suffered constant pain and complications, including heavy bleeding, with some ending up having hysterectomies or the device removed altogether.

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Source: BBC News, 5 September 2023