Ectopic Pregnancy - Paragard IUD Complications

Despite it being promoted as a very safe contraceptive measure, the Paragard IUD fails to warn users of the health risks associated with the product and can cause severe complications.

The entire purpose of having an IUD in place is compromised when you get pregnant. The highest chance of pregnancy occurs during the first days after the IUD placement, or when the device has moved out of position.

In the case of ectopic pregnancy, the worst part is that it requires surgery most frequently, can cause severe complications and even death.

An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes, and needs immediate treatment. The embryo is unable to grow properly and in most cases the tube ruptures, endangering the mother’s life.

Signs and Treatment Options

While at first, an ectopic pregnancy may appear as a normal one, with its regular response like amenorrhoea, nausea, or fatigue, there are specific reactions to look out for.

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy:

• Pain in the lower back
• Shoulder pain
• Cramps on one side of the pelvis
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Severe abdominal pain (caused by fallopian tube rupture) and internal bleeding
• Fainting

Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy (Apart from IUD Failure) - Risk Factors

• Reversal of tubal ligation
• Endometriosis
• Past infections of the fallopian tubes, uterus, or ovaries – most frequently PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and salpingitis
• Previous pelvic and abdominal surgeries, or abortions
• Medication used in fertility treatments
• Defects or damage to the fallopian tubes
• Past ectopic pregnancies
• Past STDs
• Smoking

An ectopic pregnancy can be fatal without timely intervention. For instance, the fallopian tube can burst, causing internal abdominal bleeding and serious blood loss. However, if the diagnosis is uncertain, a doctor may run some further blood tests or perform an ultrasound until the pregnancy is confirmed.

Seeking urgent medical attention is crucial in determining what is the best course of action, depending on the circumstances. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of complications and increases the opportunity for future healthy pregnancies.

Treatment Options

• Drug therapy – In case of early pregnancy detection, the doctor may inject the patient with methotrexate, to stop embryo cells from developing.
• Surgery – Laparoscopy (performed to remove the ectopic tissue). Damages to the fallopian tubes are redeemable but at the cost of removing the harmed one, and keeping just the unimpaired tube. Laparotomy is performed in case of severe internal bleeding.

Atraxia Law Can Help You

If you have been affected by this complication as a result of Paragard IUD use, or are subjected to post pregnancy-aggravations, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

We understand that every pregnancy loss is devastating, even more so when the mother’s overall health is under threat. We will analyze your situation in great detail and establish if you are eligible for compensation, in hope of a brighter prospect for you hereinafter.