Thousands of women in the U.S. know the risks of using an intrauterine device (IUD). IUDs like Mirena become embedded in the uterus and harm other organs. These devices can also cause excessive bleeding and pain. Intrauterine device complications have become more well-known as women share their negative experiences with IUDs.
IUDs are easier to get in the UK
Despite this widespread knowledge of IUD side effects, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) in the U.K. will now provide free contraception and easier access to IUDs to teenaged girls in England. According to The Daily Mail, the measure is to reduce the country’s rate of unwanted teenage pregnancies. The news source reported IUDs are allowed to be implanted within five days after unprotected sex, and so may be a viable alternative to emergency contraceptive pills.
Data from the Foreign Policy Association notes nearly one-third of males and one-quarter of females in Great Britain had intercourse before 16. In fact, 16 years is the median age at which people in Great Britain lose their virginity. The data includes more than 11,000 men and women aged 16-44 in the U.K., not including Northern Ireland. Fewer than 1 in 10 young people in Great Britain choose not to use contraception. According to The Telegraph, improvements in sex education may help more teenagers make safe choices.
“It is really important that sexual health services offering information and advice can be found in places where young people have access to them,” said Mike Kelly, director of the center for public health at Nice, according to The Daily Mail. “Evidence clearly shows that the availability of contraception reduces the rate of unwanted pregnancies. Local planners and providers of services must make sure that what they offer is right for their area.”
Do Benefits Outweigh Intrauterine Device Complications?
According to the NHS, risk of IUD complications are most likely within the first year. However, they are still relatively rare in the country. In addition, a study from the University of Texas at Galveston found IUDs are often safe for teenagers. The researchers reviewed complications and discontinuation rates from private insurance claims. While the study suggests IUDs don’t pose risks to teenagers’ health, scores of injured women can’t be wrong.
Intrauterine Device Complications Include Infertility, Uterine Perforation
IUD side effects can be damaging to women no matter their age, but young girls who experience IUD complications may have to live with their pain and injuries for the rest of their lives. Complications may include embodiment in the uterus, perforation of the uterus, or device migration. These side effects can lead to infertility, ruining a young woman’s chance of ever having children. In the U.S., attorneys are currently gathering information from women affected for a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer and are encouraging women who have been affected to reach out. More information continues to surface about IUDs’ risks, and having an attorney at your side when you seek compensation can help teenagers and young adults move on with their lives after their injuries.
If you or a loved one suffered painful Mirena intrauterine device complications, get your free claim review today. You may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer.
Related: Many Women Face Fertility Problems After Using Mirena IUD
Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.