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As the number of individuals relying on contraception for their family planning increases, the sale of birth control devices and prescriptions continues to become more and more lucrative. Although most contraception approved by the FDA for use as birth control is safe and effective, failure on the part of a physician to take into account the specific needs of an individual when prescribing contraception is not unknown and can lead to serious complications and even death.
There are a wide variety of options available for men and women who are seeking contraception: pills, creams, injected hormones, devices that are inserted vaginally; the list goes on and on. When prescribing a form of contraception, the doctor should make certain that the patient understands the various contraception options that are available, and should explain which methods would be most effective for that particular individual and why. For instance, a vasectomy is not an advisable form of contraception for a young unmarried man who may wish to have children in the future.
For hormonal types of contraception, such as birth control pills, the ring, and injections/implants, the levels of estrogen and other hormones should be appropriate to the body chemistry of the patient to whom they are prescribed. If the hormone levels are too high, the contraception will often make the patient ill or very uncomfortable, while if they are too low, they may prove an ineffective form of contraception.
Intra-uterine contraception devices-ones that are inserted into the vaginal area-can perforate the wall of the uterus, cause infection, or may contribute to fertility problems in the future. Many doctors recommend that this form of contraception be used only by women who have already had children, although women who have no children are still eligible for IUD contraception.
The consequences of misprescribing a method of contraception can be life-threatening, including hemorrhaging, infection, heart problems, and infertility. When contraception fails due to doctor error, the care provider may be responsible for the costs that result from the unplanned pregnancy. Victims of misprescribed contraception may also be able to recover monies related to medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive fines. If you or someone you love has suffered as the result of contraception problems, you may wish to seek an attorney. Lawyers experienced in representing victims of contraception complications may be able to determine the appropriate course of action.