To the Editor:
Consumer Reports presents a one-sided and factually inaccurate analysis of Bayer's Essure, the only FDA-approved non-incisional permanent birth control option available to women. This story does a disservice to women and public health, and could lead women to make choices that may be harmful to their health.
Hundreds of thousands of women in the U.S. rely on Essure for contraception without incident, and there are many physician experts around the country who have had success with the procedure over many years. The author chose not to include the perspective of any of these women or doctors.
The sources that Consumer Reports did use were biased, had undisclosed conflicts, and do not have proper clinical expertise on Essure. This includes Device Events, Inc. CEO Madris Tomes, who was hired by plaintiffs' lawyers involved in litigation against Bayer, and Dr. Julio Novoa, a non-board certified OB-GYN, who has no training on the Essure procedure.
Consumer Reports recommended patients seek medical advice about the removal of Essure from a non-medical website managed by vocal critics of the device. This recommendation is not only irresponsible, but potentially dangerous. Bayer recommends that patients who have questions about removing Essure contact their treating physician who placed the device or their current physician; and that doctors with questions about removal contact Bayer directly or access our online network of physicians.
Bayer stands behind the benefit-risk profile of Essure, which is supported by more than a decade of data, research and real world clinical experience. We encourage women who have questions or concerns about Essure to seek proper medical advice from an experienced, board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist to help them on what is a very personal and important
decision.
Patricia Carney, MD, FACOG,
Director U.S. Medical Affairs, Women's Healthcare, Bayer and board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology