Agony sterilisation coil suspended by makers

HOSPITALS have been told to stop using a metal implant to sterilise women after patients were left in agony and requiring hysterectomies to remove the devices.

Recipients of the Essure implant have reported “suicidal” desperation and significant hair loss. Its manufacturer, Bayer, insists it is safe but has asked hospitals to suspend its use.

The nickel and polyester coil permanently sterilises women by aggravating the Fallopian tubes so they are sealed by scar tissue, blocking eggs from reaching the womb. It is feared some patients react badly to the nickel and plastic fibres.

Victoria Dethier, who received an Essure implant in 2012, told the Victoria Derbyshire programme on BBC Two: “There were moments where I couldn’t get out of bed I was in so much pain. I felt like I was dying.”