News | RIVM

Radar TV programme broadcast prompts 88 new reports to MEBI for health complaints relating to copper intra-uterine devices (IUDs)

On 17 March 2025, the consumer interest TV programme Radar devoted a segment to pregnancies and various health complaints that occur with the use of copper intra-uterine devices (IUDs), and more specifically the Ballerine IUD.

Metals from Essure sterilisation coils unlikely to be harmful to health

Essure is an implant used for female sterilisation. Like many other implants, such as hip implants and stents, this implant is made of metal. It is normal for such implants to release metal particles. Essure is a small implant.

MEBI: risk of serious health complaints from Rebound HRD® inguinal hernia mesh

The Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI), which is part of RIVM, has received a report about Rebound HRD® (Hernia Repair Device), an inguinal hernia mesh.

295 reports of suspected side effects of implants in 2023

In 2023, 295 individuals reported one or more suspected side effects of implants to RIVM’s Dutch Reporting Centre for Adverse Effects of Medical Implants (MEBI).

No indication that investigated mesh implants used to treat pelvic organ prolapse are unsafe

RIVM has conducted a laboratory study into six mesh implants from different manufacturers used in the Netherlands in 2018. The study revealed no indication that these products are unsafe for patients.

Breast implants can cause health problems even five years or more after placement

Over the past 5 years, the Dutch reporting and expertise centre for adverse effects of medical implants (MEBI) has received 977 reports of health problems related to breast implants. An analysis by RIVM has shown that 39% of the reported health problems started 5 or more years after the implant’s placement.

Hypersensitivity reactions to fillers may occur after COVID-19 vaccination

People may experience hypersensitivity reactions to fillers following a COVID-19 vaccination.

Chromium-6 from medical implants not harmful to health

Chromium-6 from medical implants, such as hip or knee implants, does not result in severe health damage.

Most reports received by MEBI in 2021 concerned copper IUDs

More reports of suspected adverse effects from copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) were made in 2021 than in previous years, according to the annual report of the Dutch reporting and expertise centre for adverse effects of medical implants (MEBI).