Contraception - Medical Negligence
Contraception is a broad term for medications and devices that help prevent pregnancy. Contraceptive devices and medications can be as simple as a condom or as complex as an intrauterine device or surgical contraception by means of a tubal ligation or vasectomy. All forms of contraception carry some risk and each has a definable failure rate. In certain circumstances it is possible to take legal action for medical negligence and to claim damages for personal injury and loss against a healthcare practitioner in the event of failure of contraception if that failure is due to a clinical error. The most common legal actions for failure of contraception include compensation claims for :-
- oral contraception side effects
- unwanted pregnancy
- perforation of body tissue by intra-uterine devices
- injectable hormone contraceptive complications
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Our gynaecology negligence solicitors deal with personal injury compensation claims for failure of contraception arising due to medical negligence by a healthcare practitioner. We deal with claims using the no win no fee scheme. For free advice on vesico-vaginal fistula medical negligence compensation claims just email our offices or complete the contact form or call our helpline.
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^^ back to the topHormonal Methods of Contraception
These involve the use of pills or injections or intravaginal devices that contain estrogen-like compounds, progesterone-type compounds or a combination of both. The different choices of contraception are as follows.
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^^ back to the topThe injectable progesterone contraceptive is called Depo-Provera and it works by preventing implantation of any embryo and prevents egg production. It is safe for those who have diabetes or who have high blood pressure and it is injected every three months. The progesterone implant is implanted beneath the skin and lasts a total of five years. The disadvantages of this form of birth control include weight gain, irregular cycles or intermittent bleeding and nausea. It can take up to two years for fertility to return after this form of birth control is stopped. The effectiveness of the injection is about 99.7 percent and effectiveness of the implant is about 99.9 percent.
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^^ back to the topThe combination birth control is perhaps the most popular form of birth control, especially in young people. It contains estrogen and a progestin that together prevent the formation of an egg. Ovulation is blocked and the period a woman has every month with the pill is basically a withdrawal bleed and not a real period. The advantages of the combined pill are that it is preventative against uterine cancer or ovarian cancer. Osteoporosis is prevented as well. PMS is reduced and periods are more regulated with the pill. It doesn’t have any long term side effects and can be started as soon as 6 weeks following the birth of an infant. The disadvantages are that it can cause life-threatening thrombosis (blood clots), headaches, water retention, weight gain, nausea and depression. It is not recommended if you are a smoker over 35 year of age because the thrombosis side effect is augmented. The effectiveness is up to 97 percent.
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^^ back to the topThe “mini pill” is a progestin-only pill that thickens the cervical mucus so that sperm cannot pass through. It is a good pill for those who are already overweight, are a smoker, have high blood pressure, are over age 40 or are breastfeeding an infant. It is ultimately very necessary to take it the same time every day because it might fail if you don’t. It can be used in breastfeeding with only a small risk to the infant. It carries an effectiveness of about 95 percent when taken properly.
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^^ back to the topThe NuvaRing device is inserted into the vagina for three weeks and then is removed. It contains estrogen and progestins that act on the ovaries, preventing the release of an egg. It is inserted into the vagina much like a diaphragm and remains there the entire three weeks. The NuvaRing has all the risks of a combination birth control pill and has an effectiveness of up to 97 percent. The ring is thrown away after three weeks and a new ring is inserted in its place after the woman has had a menstrual period or withdrawal bleed.
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^^ back to the topBarrier Methods of Contraception
The condom is the most common form of barrier method. It prevents pregnancy as well as many sexually-transmitted diseases. It is easy to use and easy to get a hold of and many contain a spermicide that kills sperm. The disadvantages are that it must be put on during the sex process and has the potential to fall off or break. It can dull male sensation during sex. It has an effectiveness rate of about 86 percent.
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^^ back to the topThe IUD or intrauterine device is inserted into the female uterus by a trained doctor. There are intrauterine devices of many sizes and shapes and it depends on what your doctor has available. Most current intrauterine devices are T shaped and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg. The advantages are that it can be used during breastfeeding and hormones are unaffected. It works immediately after being placed. The disadvantages are that it can imbed itself into the uterus and rupture the uterus; it can cause heavy menstrual periods and prolonged menstrual cramping during periods. There is an increased risk of having pelvic inflammatory disease, especially if you have many sexual partners. Doctors check the IUD every year to make sure it is in place and functioning properly. The effectiveness is 98 percent.
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^^ back to the topThe diaphragm or cervical cap is made from a rubber-like compound. It fits over the cervix and must be fitted to the right size. It is inserted folded into the vagina and expanded, with its anterior rim snugly fit by the pubic bone. Some people use a spermicidal jelly along with the diaphragm to improve its effectiveness. A woman can insert the diaphragm up to six hours before engaging in intercourse; however, it must be removed within thirty hours after intercourse has occurred or it will lose some of its effectiveness. Once inserted, it cannot be felt by either the man or the woman. Each time you use a diaphragm, you must look carefully for the presence of holes so that sperm can’t pass through the diaphragm and result in pregnancy. The major advantage is that it can be used during breastfeeding and doesn’t have to interfere with the act of sex. In some cases, it can prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Upon insertion, the bladder must be empty during the process and if you have a bladder infection, the diaphragm can be irritating. It is 80 percent effective if you use a diaphragm and 60 percent effective if you use a cervical cap.
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^^ back to the topNatural Methods of Contraception
Some people use what’s called the “rhythm method” to determine when it is safe to have sex and when one could get pregnant by having sex. It is also called “fertility awareness”. It depends on knowing the best and worst times to get pregnant and abstaining from sex during the times when pregnancy could occur. There are no side effects of this method but, with restrictions on sex, there can be tension between the partners. The success rate depends on how well you follow the rules and how regular your menstrual cycles are.
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For free advice without further obligation on problems arising from failure of contraception due to medical negligence by a healthcare practitioner, just call the helpline, email our offices or complete the contact form.
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