Paragard IUD Lawsuit
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Cervical cancer is a condition affecting the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects it to the vagina. In this disease, cervical cells begin to reproduce uncontrollably, eventually creating a tumor. Early symptoms can include unusual vaginal bleeding, foul discharge or pain during sex. Cervical cancer is known for its association with HPV; other sexually transmitted infections also increase one’s risk. As with all cancers, it’s not always known why one person develops it and not another. But recently, research has indicated that one’s choice of IUD has some effect on the chance of getting it.
Intrauterine devices to prevent pregnancy have been made of various materials over the years. Today, the types available in the US are of two types: plastic coiled with copper or plastic that releases a low dose of hormones. Both are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. The study, published in 2020 in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, focused on difference in cancer rates in women with the two kinds.
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It’s titled “Relative Risk of Cervical Neoplasms Among Copper and Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System Users” (neoplasms refer to new—i.e., cancerous—growths).
The authors performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 10,674 patients who received IUDs at Columbia University Medical Center. They observed these patients over a period of years after the insertion of either type of IUD. The study included women who received their IUD beginning in 2003, and included 8,274 copper IUD users and 2,400 with hormonal IUDs.
IUD Lawsuit Alabama
The authors write that “The diagnosis of high-grade cervical neoplasia was 0.7% in the [copper] IUD cohort and 1.8% in the [hormonal IUD] cohort …. The relative risk of high-grade cervical neoplasms among [copper]I UD users was 0.38… compared with [hormonal IUD] users.” This means the difference in risk was substantial since there was nothing else about the two groups of women that would be expected to cause such a difference.
They note that “As early as the 1980s, studies suggested a reduced risk of cervical cancer among women who had used an intrauterine contraceptive.” But the study design was not able to delve into reasons for the disparity.
Since the rates of cancer were very low in both groups, the results do not suggest a need to make one’s birth control choice solely on that basis. But those shopping for a contraceptive method can use it as one factor in their decision. Patients who have other risk factors for cervical cancer, and who aren’t strongly motivated to reduce their period, may want to give the copper IUD a close look in light of this new information.
There are a number of other factors to consider. Copper IUDs offer benefits include a very long period of effectiveness (up to 10 years) without any hormone or other medication. They can increase period bleeding and cramps, whereas hormonal IUDs can reduce or eliminate bleeding altogether.
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Both forms of IUD are associated with occasional serious side effects, including becoming embedded in or even perforating the uterus, leading to tissue damage and potentially increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Women who have endured these side effects have sued the manufacturers in some cases.
One unanswered question is whether a copper IUD is protective against cancer compared to no IUD at all. The paper notes that “The relative risk of cervical neoplasms of LNG-IUS users compared with the general population is unknown.” More research will be needed to determine if the copper IUD is protective, or if hormonal IUDs are associated with increased risk compared to the general population.
IUD Lawsuit Alabama
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If you or a loved one suffered injuries after using the Paragard© IUD for birth control, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the manufacturer. Some injuries may include device breakage, organ perforation, device migration, hysterectomy, and scarring. Contact Vanderhyde Law today to see if you qualify. Call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 or fill out our contact form and an Alabama IUD Lawyer will contact you to answer your questions. This is a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless you receive money. Operators are standing by. Call now.