Birth Control Risks

Many types of birth control are available. The most commonly used are intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants and birth control pills. Below is a general overview of the range of birth control types. Not all of these birth controls have led to lawsuits being filed.

• Implants: Implants come in various types, with the most well-known being a thin rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm. The rod is made of plastic and slowly releases the hormone progestin (which prevents ovulation) into the bloodstream. A doctor must insert an implant.
• Injections: Depo-Provera is a long-term injection of progesterone. It is given every 12 – 14 weeks by a doctor or nurse practitioner. Like implants, Depo-Provera acts by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. Depo-Provera has a number of possible side effects, the most serious being osteoporosis.
• IUDs: IUDs are t-shaped objects made of plastic that a healthcare provider inserts into the uterus. IUDs may be wrapped with copper wire or may contain hormones that are gradually released into the body. IUDs work by preventing eggs from being fertilized and implanting into the uterine wall.
• Pills: Birth control pills are the most commonly used contraceptive method. The user swallows a pill every day. The pill contains a combination of two hormones that prevent ovulation and prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. A doctor must prescribe birth control pills.
• Vaginal ring: A vaginal ring is a self-inserted implant that releases hormones for three weeks. The hormones progesterone and estrogen prevent ovulation. They also cause thinning of the uterine wall and create a thick mucus layer that prevents eggs from becoming fertilized. After three weeks, the user removes the ring to allow a normal period. The user reinserts the ring at the end of the fourth week.

Other methods of birth control include condoms, patches, spermicide and male birth control. 

All methods of birth control carry potential health risks. They all interfere with the natural hormonal cycles, which can lead to side effects related to hormonal changes in the body. In addition, implantation of any device in the body comes with surgical hazards.

All birth control methods can come with some risk. They may cause mild side effects, such as headaches, cramping and irregular periods as the user’s body adjusts. They may also pose more serious hazards, ranging from heart disease and cancer risks to ectopic pregnancies or loss of fertility.

As long as manufacturers clearly warn users of potential risks of birth control medications and medical devices, users can make informed decisions about which options to use. Unfortunately, many manufacturers do not comply with FDA regulations regarding labeling, package inserts and advertising and marketing rules. The fact that a product has been on the market for many years does not mean it is free of risks.

While it may seem the chances of developing any specific risk are small, the health issues themselves are very serious. For these reasons, manufacturers should be careful to label their products accurately so people considering their drugs and devices are aware of all potential impacts. They can include increased risk of cancer, blood clots, sterility, complications in later pregnancy and other effects. 

Risks of birth control injections

Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is an injectable birth control made by Pfizer. It contains a progesterone hormone that stops ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to protect against pregnancy for up to 14 weeks. Common side effects associated with Depo-Provera include: 

• Anxiety and depression
• Appetite changes
• Excess face and body hair
• Headaches
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Loss of hair
• Osteoporosis
• Skin breakouts
• Weight gain

According to a March 2024 BMJ study, the prolonged use of Depo-Provera may also lead to an increased risk of meningiomas. These are tumors that develop in the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord.  Their side effects have been the subject of multiple personal injury lawsuits against Depo-Provera manufacturer Pfizer. The lawsuits allege that physicians and consumers weren’t advised of the severe complications associated with long-term use of Depo-Provera.

Risks of IUD birth control

IUDs can be a highly effective form of birth control. They are often advertised as a “set-it-and-forget-it” method of birth control, meaning users do not need to remember to take pills or remove a vaginal ring to ensure their birth control is working. Side effects, such as cramping, backaches, light bleeding and spotting between periods, are most often reported.

However, more serious effects have been reported. These effects have become the focus of legal action against IUD manufacturers. Serious effects range from loss of the IUD (resulting in pregnancy) to possible perforation of the uterus. They can also include:

• Breakage: The IUD can break during insertion or removal. Broken pieces typically require surgical removal. Complications from breakage can include scarring of the uterus and sterility.
• Expulsion: If the IUD isn’t placed properly, it can come out of the uterus, or become dislodged from the correct position. If the IUD isn’t in place, it won’t prevent pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, a doctor must replace the IUD.
• Infection: Like any other part of the body, the uterus can become infected when bacteria are introduced from the outside. If the IUD is not sterile during insertion, infection is possible in the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. This is most common during the first 20 days after insertion.
• Perforation: The IUD is a thin rod of stiff plastic. Some types, like Paragard, are wrapped with copper. In some cases, the IUD can penetrate the wall of the uterus during insertion or even removal if it breaks. If not addressed, the IUD may remain lodged in the uterine wall or, worse, perforate through the wall and into the abdomen. 
• Pregnancy: No birth control method is 100% guaranteed to be effective. IUDs are associated with an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, where the fetus implants outside the uterus in the fallopian tubes or the abdominal wall. An ectopic pregnancy is life-threatening to the mother and the pregnancy is never viable.

IUDs such as Paragard have come under increased scrutiny not because they are inherently unsafe, but because the manufacturers have not properly communicated the risks involved with their production and use. Motley Rice LLC is handling lawsuits filed in multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving the makers of Paragard. The federal litigation has hundreds of filed cases by those alleging injury by IUDs.

Risks of permanent birth control 

The fallopian tube implant is a method of birth control intended to be permanent. Doctors place small flexible coils (made of fiber and metal) in the fallopian tubes. The device creates scar tissue in the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the uterus. This forms a barrier that blocks sperm from reaching an egg.

Some side effects of the fallopian implant can be serious. Risks include:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Organ perforation
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Death

The most well-known fallopian implant was Essure®. Bayer stopped making the device in 2018 and issued a recall in 2019 because of reports of these severe health effects. Patients harmed by Essure filed lawsuits. Motley Rice medical attorney Fidelma Fitzpatrick served as lead counsel and a member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee. 

Risks of birth control rings

Birth control rings are small plastic circles patients place inside their vagina to prevent pregnancy. Many women allege severe complications from the birth control NuvaRing®. 

Some side effects of the ring can be serious. Risks include:

• Blood clots
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Heart attack
• Stroke

Patients filed lawsuits against NuvaRing’s manufacturer, Merck & Co. for these issues. In February 2014, Merck reached a $100 million settlement to resolve nearly 2,000 claims against NuvaRing. Motley Rice medical attorney Carmen Scott served on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) of the NuvaRing birth control multidistrict litigation. 

Risks of birth control pills

Birth control pills have been in use for decades. Birth control pills contain hormones estrogen and progestin, which halt ovulation and thicken mucus in the uterus, preventing fertilization. A progestin-only pill (POP or “minipill”) reduces some of the risks of estrogen.

Common minor side effects associated with birth control pills include weight gain, spotting and vaginal discharge, dry skin and eyes and headache. More serious side effects are associated with long-term use and can include:

• Blood clots
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism

Manufacturers have sometimes misrepresented the risks of birth control. Motley Rice was at the forefront of a lawsuit involving the birth control pill “Yaz”. The synthetic hormone drospirenone was misrepresented and patients were misinformed over the side effects and effectiveness of this unusual medication. In 2014, manufacturer Bayer agreed to pay about $1.6 billion to settle Yaz-related cases. Motley Rice attorney Carmen Scott litigated claims involving Yaz and Yasmin birth control drugs and devices.

Many uncertainties and misconceptions surround the risks of birth control pills, IUDs and hormonal implants. Here are some straightforward answers to some of the most common questions.

What are the serious risks of birth control?

The most serious risks of birth control depend on the type of birth control you’re using. The most serious hazards can include blood clots, stroke, organ perforation, ectopic pregnancies, miscarriage and death.

• IUDs carry a risk of breakage, which can lead to infection, penetration of the uterine wall, scarring of the uterus and other damage.
• The risks of hormonal birth control include a chance of blood clots, which can lead to heart disease, pulmonary embolism, stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Birth control pills can result in blood clots, high blood pressure, increased risk of some cancers and cardiac disease.

Is birth control safe long-term?

Birth control methods are intended to be safe when used long-term. IUDs, implants and birth control pills are designed for long-term use, spanning weeks to years. There are long-term risks associated with every medication and medical device. As with any medication or medical device, people should only use them with a doctor’s advice and supervision, and they should report any unusual side effects immediately.

The medical attorneys at Motley Rice have represented thousands of patients injured by prescription and over-the-counter medications and medical devices. These include birth control medications and birth control devices such as IUDs. 

If you believe a prescribed birth control product may have injured you or a loved one, the attorneys at Motley Rice have the resources to investigate and help you:

• Identify the potentially harmful medication or device 
• Investigate whether it injured you
• Review the manufacturer’s regulatory compliance
• Examine the manufacturer’s warnings about side effects and instructions about use
• Review all other issues that could affect your claim

Learn more about our birth control litigation experience here.