Health concerns rise after Ballerine IUD removals in the Netherlands

Dozens of women reported health problems following the removal of a Ballerine IUD. In certain instances, the device became lodged, or its threads snapped. Several women also endured intense pain while the contraceptive was being removed.

The Reporting and Expertise Center for Implant Side Effects (MEBI) reports that it received an unusually high number of complaints in a short time. At least 24 women needed multiple attempts to have their Ballerine IUD removed. 18 required surgery, and three had to undergo several procedures. After removal, five women were found to still have copper fragments remaining in their uterus.

As a result, the center has advised general practitioners, midwives, and gynecologists to exercise caution when removing this copper IUD and to remain aware of the possible complications that can arise.

The Ballerine IUD was launched in the Netherlands in 2019 and was intended to prevent pregnancy for five to ten years. Since 2021, it is no longer being provided, following reports that some women became pregnant despite having the device in place. There were also instances in which the IUD reportedly moved out of the uterus. The current number of women still using this contraceptive is unknown

A broadcast of the consumer show Radar revealed last year that at least 115 pregnancies had been reported among women using a Ballerine IUD, far exceeding the number typically expected with conventional copper IUDs. Following the broadcast, MEBI saw a further rise in full health complaints, receiving 88 new reports related to copper IUDs shortly afterward.