BIONews + The Barbarism of IUD’: Insertion Through Removal We Can Do Better

Join B2DG members and guests for our Sept 16 morning meeting. We’ll cover the weekly BIONews and then have a live presentation-
The Barbarism of IUD’: Insertion Through Removal We Can Do Better
Jill Mari Embry
CEO & Founder
Balance Innovation Center
Globally, over 150 million women are estimated to use intrauterine devices (IUDs). In the United States, between 2018 and 2019, more than 10 million women aged 15-48 used IUDs, according to the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). When it comes to pain during insertion, studies report that 70-80% of women experience moderate to severe pain. However, in the studies we reviewed on IUDs, the reported complication rate is generally around 1% or lower, with expulsion and perforation being the most common issues. But our discussions with actual users and reviews of user feedback suggest a strikingly different picture. Approximately 99.5% of women reported experiencing pain, and the complications observed were more varied and frequent than what the published studies indicate. Based on our understanding of IUD technology, its mechanisms of action, and the insertion process, these higher figures are not only plausible but expected. This talk will explore why we believe existing studies underreport the pain and complications associated with IUD use.
September 16, 2025
8:15 am - 10:30 am
Event Location:
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89077658197

Jill is the Founder/CEO of Balance Innovation Center, a venture studio that develops medical devices. The diverse development teams at Balance Innovation Center increase perspectives and knowledge, aiding in the creation of devices for a wider range of end users and thereby decreasing health disparities. In addition, Jill serves as a Board Advisor and Mentor to Startups and Entrepreneurs, with a focus on supporting underrepresented groups in medical device development. Jill has led projects and teams as a biochemist and engineer for over 20 years.