Jason Stephens | April 12, 2024 | Product Liability
There are many ways for sexually active individuals to prevent pregnancy. But birth control pills, despite being some of the most popular forms of contraception, come with several side effects.
Many women, therefore, prefer non-hormonal methods like condoms or certain intrauterine devices (IUDs). The Mirena IUD is one such non-hormonal IUD, first approved for use by the FDA in 2000 and most recently re-approved in 2022.
However, even though the product has the approval of the FDA, that doesn’t mean it isn’t without its side effects. And at least one potential side effect of using the device can cause serious injuries or death to the user.
When the IUD moves from where it is implanted, it can be extremely dangerous. With that in mind, the following guide details what you should know and how to respond if your Mirena IUD moves.
Common Side Effects of a Mirena IUD
Before discussing what happens if your IUD moves, it’s still important to understand that there are normal, non-life-threatening side effects that can arise from using a Mirena IUD.
Some of the most common side effects of a Mirena IUD include the following:
- Unexpected uterine bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Thicker or heavier periods
- Vaginal infections
- Reduced or missing periods
- Severe headaches
Less commonly, you may experience IUD back pain, benign ovarian cysts, or unexpected period pain.
Some of these side effects may seem dangerous at first glance, but they don’t necessarily represent a serious threat to the user’s health. Recognizing the difference between these and a genuinely serious effect, such as IUD movement, can save you stress and the costs associated with an unnecessary visit to your gynecologist.
Signs Your IUD Moved
Compared to the side effects above, the signs that your IUD may have moved include such things as:
- Your partner feeling the IUD while having sex
- You feel the main part of the IUD
- Not feeling the IUD’s strings when you search for them with your fingers
- Bleeding more between periods
- Heavier vaginal bleeding
- Pain in your lower abdomen
Frustratingly, many of these signs IUD has moved are similar to more common side effects. If you feel unusual pain, it could be that it is nothing more than common Mirena IUD lower back pain or a sign that the IUD has moved. As such, if you are uncertain, it is best to speak to your doctor right away.
Why It Matters
The location of an individual’s IUD matters. When properly situated, it performs its job safely and often quite effectively. However, if it moves, it both ceases its function and threatens the health of the user.
At a minimum, if the IUD moves out of its normal place, it will no longer prevent pregnancy. That, of course, still creates a dangerous situation, as the IUD may cause harm to a developing fetus in the womb, resulting in a miscarriage or congenital disabilities.
Additionally, because the IUD is now in a place where it doesn’t belong, its plastic parts can cause damage and harm. At “best.” it may inflame or mildly perforate the uterus. But in a worst-case scenario, it can cause catastrophic injuries like organ damage. Without immediate surgery, such an injury can result in a wrongful death.
Is the Mirena IUD a Defective Product?
This is the type of question that can only be answered in a courtroom. It could be that your Mirena IUD moved because it was defective, or it might have moved because your doctor installed it improperly.
The best way to avoid this sort of guesswork is to consult with an experienced attorney. They can help you determine whether you have a product liability claim or a medical malpractice claim.
Act Quickly If You Detect Signs of a Moved Mirena IUD
The Mirena IUD provides safe birth control for most people who use it. But if you believe you are the exception, act quickly to protect your health by consulting with a doctor and lawyer.
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