Transvaginal Mesh: A New Danger?

Medical professionals have been using transvaginal mesh to help women suffering from the health complications and problems that both Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and Stress Urinary Incontinence (STI) cause for years. This mesh, which is implanted into a woman, is supposed to provide support for damaged or weak tissue. For women suffering from these two health problems, both of which can cause serious disruptions to an individual’s life, this implanted mesh was supposed to provide a number of benefits, in addition to immense relief from these serious health issues. However, in 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a report stating that these implants could be dangerous and cause adverse side effects in recipients.

This, and other, initial reports and studies into the effects of transvaginal mesh stated that the repercussions, although potentially very serious, were rare. As a result, the report only warned medical professionals of the possible dangers and provided recommendations on how to handle these surgeries and minimize the risks. Unfortunately, a more recent report by the FDA states that these consequences of transvaginal mesh are actually fairly common, causing many women to suffer from devastating health problems. As a result, many of these affected women have chosen to file a transvaginal mesh lawsuit, pursuing financial compensation for the problems they have suffered, including the following:

• Infection
• Perforation of organs
• Pain
• Extreme bleeding
• Serious psychological and emotional issues
• Vaginal scarring

Unfortunately, both the initial and the more recent FDA report were released long after many women already received transvaginal mesh to help treat their Pelvic Organ Prolapse or Stress Urinary Incontinence. As such, many women are now suffering from the unexpected side effects of a dangerous medical device, seeking additional treatment and even additional surgeries to address the problems this mesh has caused.