IUD (Intrauterine Device)

An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small T-shaped piece of plastic that a clinician inserts into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two kinds. Hormonal IUDs release a progestin. Copper IUDs have no hormones and use copper wire, which is toxic to sperm. IUDs are among the most effective forms of reversible birth control and can stay in place for years, but they must be removed by a clinician.

The copper IUD sold in the United States under the name Paragard is at the center of a large group of lawsuits. Federal Paragard cases are consolidated as MDL No. 2974 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, where the court describes the litigation as involving allegations that the device has a propensity to break upon removal. According to the court's case summary, the alleged injuries include surgeries to remove broken pieces, infertility, and pain. The defendants include Teva and the Cooper companies, which have made and sold the device.

Plaintiffs claim the manufacturers knew the arms of the device could fracture and did not adequately warn doctors or patients. The companies dispute those claims, and none of the allegations is proven unless a court or jury rules on them. Claims generally require records showing a Paragard was placed, that it broke during removal, and what additional procedures followed.

If you had a Paragard break, keep your operative reports and imaging and ask your provider for the device lot number if it was recorded. See our Paragard IUD lawsuit page and what an MDL is.