The pharmaceutical giant Bayer announced Monday that it would end non-US sales of Essure, a sterilisation implant that has been linked to major side effects.

"This decision is being taken for commercial reasons," the German group said, adding that the withdrawal extended a decision taken in May to halt sales of the device in most countries. 

Essure, a non-hormonal coil implant used to sterilise women, has in some women caused chronic pain, perforation of the uterus and fallopian tubes and led to hysterectomies, news reports say.