By Joe Fantini January 4, 2021

Many women have chosen the ParaGard IUD because they believe that a copper IUD is better than hormonal birth control. However, some women have experienced severe injuries and complications from using the copper IUD. Numerous ParaGard IUD lawsuits have been filed alleging injuries ranging from infertility and uterine scarring to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and organ damage from device migration.

A recent study now indicates there could be another problem with copper IUDs. The study found that copper IUDs can impact microbiota over time. When the vaginal microbiome is adversely impacted, a woman can experience an increase in some infections.

What is Vaginal Microbiome?

The vagina contains good bacteria called vaginal microbiome. Just like the bacteria in the digestive system, the vaginal microbiome serves a purpose. A healthy balance of vaginal microbiome protects from infection by deterring the growth of viruses, yeast, and harmful bacteria.

When the balance of the vaginal microbiome is disrupted, a woman can develop yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance between the good and harmful bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:

Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics. According to the CDC, women with bacterial vaginosis have an increased chance of contracting an STD, including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

How are Copper IUDs Linked to Bacterial Vaginosis?

A study published in 2018 linked copper IUDs to an increased risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. The study found that women using copper IUDs had double the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. That study suggested that the increased risk of bacterial vaginosis could be linked to the longer menstrual flows that IUD users have, which can cause a depletion of Lactobacillus, a healthy bacteria in the vagina.

Combined with the information from the new study, it appears that there is another potential adverse side effect of using the ParaGard IUD.

Has the ParaGard IUD Been Recalled?

Even though there appears to be growing evidence that the ParaGard IUD can cause significant harm and injury to women, the manufacturer nor the FDA have recalled the product. It remains on the market, and many women continue to use the copper IUD to prevent pregnancy.

Many of the ParaGard lawsuits allege negligence and wrongdoing on the part of the manufacturer. Product liability claims include, but may not be limited to, allegations that the ParaGard IUD has a defective design that can injure or harm a woman using the product.

There are also claims that the manufacturer knew that the IUD could fracture or migrate, but it failed to warn patients and doctors of this serious and potentially dangerous risk. Some lawsuits also claim that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate instructions and information to physicians on how to remove the IUD to reduce the chance that it might break.

As more studies are published and we learn more about the adverse reports from women throughout the county, there may be additional causes of action added to ParaGard lawsuits.

As more women come forward, it shines a light on the dangers of the copper IUD. It helps other women who might have suffered an injury to know what they need to do to hold CopperSurgical liable for their injuries and damages.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Your Copper IUD Is Causing Vaginal Infections?

Talk with your doctor immediately. Your doctor can diagnose and prescribe a treatment for bacterial vaginosis and other infections. You can work with your doctor to create a timeline of symptoms and diagnosed vaginal infections to determine if the copper IUD could be a factor in recurring infections.

You may also want to discuss the other adverse events associated with the ParaGard IUDs. Your doctor can provide advice and guidance regarding what is best for your health and wellbeing.

If you believe you have been injured because of the ParaGard IUD, you may want to seek legal counsel regarding potential claims against Teva Pharmaceuticals or CopperSurgical. Women who have been injured because of the copper IUD are seeking compensation for damages including:

The time to file ParaGard lawsuits is limited. These cases are incredibly complicated and require extensive investigation. Working with an attorney familiar with ParaGard injuries is strongly recommended.