Question reference: S6W-09260
- Asked by: Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 23 June 2022
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 18 July 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the group of symptoms experienced by women after receiving the Essure contraceptive implant should be recognised by health services as a specific medical condition.
Answer
The Scottish Government is clear that any woman with concerns about Essure must be taken seriously and any complications arising from it must result in appropriate care being given.
With this in mind, the Chief Medical Officer wrote to GPs and secondary care clinicians on 30 June 2022 to raise awareness of the Essure device and its potential complications, and to stress the importance of a consistent approach and clear treatment pathway for any women experiencing complications as a result of this device. The letter has been published here .
Women who suspect the device may be related to symptoms they are experiencing, such as persistent pain, should in the first instance be encouraged to talk to their clinicians about what steps may be appropriate. It is expected that any woman presenting to general practice with symptoms or who wishes removal, should be referred to gynaecology specialists for investigation of symptoms, following local pathways.