AQW 20791/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 23/06/2021
Answered On Date: 19/07/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the current NHS guidance around the fitting and use of the Essure birth control coil; (ii) the advice given to women considering this method of birth control; and (iii) the short and long-term dangers of the Essure coil.

Answer:

Following the suspension of the Essure device’s CE mark in August 2017, the manufacturer permanently withdrew the device from the EU market on commercial grounds. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) subsequently withdrew its guidance as it was no longer required. This device has not been used in Northern Ireland from August 2017.

When the device was available for use, HSC Trusts have confirmed that a patient information leaflet was available that provided information on benefits, precautions and potential risks.

With regard to dangers and risks, a number of short term risks that a patient may have experienced after the procedure were identified in the leaflet, including mild to moderate pain and allergic reaction to the device. The leaflet also advised that there was a risk of long term pain of varying intensity and length of time.