Birth control danger: Women claim popular device has ruined their lives



OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thousands of women are asking the FDA to take Essure, a popular birth control, off the market, according to KFOR.

Essure, a non-surgical, non-hormonal permanent birth control, is marketed for women who are done having children.

Here how it works: The device is inserted into the fallopian tubes. Tiny metal coils are implanted by a gynecologist in the doctor’s office. After several months, uterine tissue grows into the metal coils, blocking conception.

“It sounded like a good thing to me. I mean. I’ve got a busy life. I’ve got five kids.” said Oklahoman Crystal Plumlee, who chose Essure because it was the most affordable, effective option.

“It’s not worth it,” she now says. “It might seem easier, but it’s not worth it in the long run.”

Plumlee says she now suffers from joint pain, chronic fatigue, weight gain, irregular heavy menstrual cycles and debilitating headaches.

“There are some people who are having success with it, but I would not want to gamble that,” she said. “I’m not a gambler. Unfortunately this is something I gambled with, and I’ve made one of the biggest mistakes of my life.”

Women across the country are now posting pictures and sharing stories on Facebook.  Activist Erin Brockovich joined in the fight, launching a website for women who have suffered because of Essure.