I had the Essure procedure done three years ago. I remember being so happy about this seemingly easy and relatively non-invasive form of permanent birth control. When I did my internet research about Essure I only found happy success stories. Gosh, I feel so stupid now when I think back about how my search wasn’t very thorough.
It wasn’t until the stabbing pains and bloody discharge began, about 18 months post procedure, that I added the words ‘side effects’ to my internet search for ‘Essure’. There was no other possible explanation for the discomfort in my lower abdomen. These pains come and go randomly and absolutely cannot be confused with menstrual cramps (which I’ve never had) or painful ovulation, as many ‘professionals’ I’ve talked to have tried to convince me. The fact that numerous doctors, including my own PCP of ten years, shrugged off my pains and bloody discharge as nothing to worry about left me feeling depressed and hopeless. I felt numb as I read about hundreds of other women having serious complications from their Essure coils.
I looked into having the coils removed and learned that it would cost thousands of dollars (insurance will not cover an ‘unnecessary’ procedure) plus a few weeks recovery time. This depressed me even further since there’s no way I could afford that. What has finally given me hope is realizing that all the women whose nightmarish Essure stories I’ve read about, are a support group, a community; that I am not in this alone as many doctors have made me feel. I am not crazy. I am not imagining these pains that scrape away at my insides every day. These pains are not due to stress or indigestion. I am suffering because of corporate greed trying to profit from my desire to avoid unwanted pregnancy. I am happy I found this website, and others, to join in the fight against Conceptus. My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to the thousands of other women whose lives have been affected by Essure.