Woman sues Bayer after contraceptive device leaves her in constant pain

A woman is suing medical device maker Bayer after experiencing agonising pain due to a controversial contraceptive implant.

Sandra Twigg experienced constant pain, bleeding and an allergic reaction after having Bayer’s Essure device fitted in 2014.

First reported in the Daily Record, the mum of three is now the seventh Scottish woman to join a group legal action against Bayer.

Ms Twigg decided to have the procedure after giving birth to her daughter in 2014. She was told by doctors at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that she wouldn’t need an operation or anaesthetic so there was less risk.

After stating she had an allergy to nickel doctors told her there was “more nickel in a bar of chocolate”.

“I was told it would cause no issue and I should not take an allergic reaction. They could not have been more wrong.” Ms Twigg said.

The Essure device is a flexible spring made out of nickel and polyester. It’s inserted into the fallopian tubes to form a barrier to keep sperm from reaching the eggs.

Bayer ended sales of the device in Europe last year but stated that the decision was not related to safety or product quality.

Despite being told there would be no pain Ms Twigg described the procedure as horrific.  

“It was horrific. It felt as though I’d been stabbed. I had to be helped off the seat and I couldn’t walk upright into the waiting room. I also couldn’t get into the car unaided.” She said.

The pain persisted causing Ms Twigg to miss days at work. A couple of months after having the Essure fitted her arm and leg swelled up. After going to casualty, a doctor told Ms Twigg that they thought it was an allergic reaction and she should see her gynaecologist.

Eventually Ms Twigg had the device removed and though the swelling disappeared she still suffers from constant pain.

“I’m still in horrific pain that is totally unexplained. I still get pains down my right leg and right side of my womb and heavy bleeding. What was supposed to be a quick fix has become a total nightmare.” Ms Twigg said.

In response to Ms Twigg’s case, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “We’re sorry Ms Twigg was unhappy with her treatment. NHSGGC stopped using Essure in June 2017. A total of 29 patients underwent the procedure and all women were given pre-procedure analgesia. Less than five have since asked for the device to be removed. All women have been followed up and the majority are happy with Essure as a means of contraception.”