There are many different forms of birth control that are out on the market, including intrauterine devices, known commonly as IUDs. Over the years, one device that has gained popularity is the Mirena IUD. And, even though there have been a number of women who have complained about pain with this IUD, the Federal Drug Administration did approve the device in 2000.

However, in a recent case, a woman who had the IUD implanted is not suing the maker of Mirena. Rather, she filed a lawsuit against a doctor and the gynecological and obstetrics clinic the doctor works at.

When looking at what happened, it was back in 2006 when the woman had an IUD implanted. However, despite the presence of the IUD, the woman found out in 2007 that she had developed a left ectopic pregnancy. As a result of the unexpected pregnancy, her doctor had to perform several procedures.

At that time, the doctor was unable to find the IUD. However, the doctor did not use an imaging device to attempt to find the missing IUD even though there was a high likelihood that it was left inside the patient’s body.

In fact, despite continued complaints about pain, the doctor at this particular clinic did not take any steps that would have identified where the missing IUD was located. Instead, the patient was told she was probably just ovulating and to take some ibuprofen for the pain.

Finally, the pain became so unbearable that she went to the emergency room. However, her doctor remained unsympathetic, told her it was due to scar tissue and only gave her a temporary prescription pain medication.

Three years later, still in pain, the woman ended up back in the emergency room. This time a CT scan found the IUD floating in her abdomen. After this discovery, she was finally able to have the device removed.

Now, she is seeking $2 million for mental and emotional pain, temporary and permanent disability and disfigurement, health care costs, lost wages and loss of enjoyment as a result of the negligent care she believes she received from this doctor and clinic.

Source: drugalert.org, “Mirena Patient Sues After Doctor Leaves Device in Abdomen,” Sept. 28, 2012

  • Our firm handles cases such as this where a patient suffers unnecessary harm due to a doctor or hospital. To learn more about our firm, please visit our Portland OB-GYN malpractice page.