Transvaginal mesh is a device used to support a weakened organ, muscle, or tissue area. It is often used for two types of conditions: pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the muscles in a woman’s pelvic area weaken and organs, such as the urethra, bladder or bowel, begin to move downward into the vagina. Although POP actually occurs fairly commonly as women age, most people do not feel any symptoms. However, for the small percentage that does, the symptoms cannot be ignored. Women with POP may a feel pressure and pain in the back or pelvic area. They may have difficulty with urinary, bowel and sexual functions.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a condition where the muscles of the urethra are too weak to halt the accidental flow of urine. When a woman puts stress on the urethra, by laughing, sneezing or coughing, for example, incontinence can occur.

Transvaginal Mesh for POP and SUI

Doctors have used mesh to help strengthen these weakened areas of muscle. When inserting the device, doctors can make incisions either through the abdomen or through the vagina. Going through the vagina, or the transvaginal method, has often been preferred because it was seen as less invasive.

However, numerous reports—and subsequent lawsuits—are unveiling a disturbing trend among transvaginal mesh repairs. Many of the mesh products, regardless of the manufacturer, are causing serious, chronic and debilitating side effects.

The most common problem occurs when the mesh begins to erode. When that happens, women can experience pain and repeated infections at the site of the device. The device can also contract, causing additional pain and pulling.

Removing the mesh presents its own problems. Because it is intended to be a permanent insertion, it is often difficult to remove, as it quickly becomes intertwined with the body tissues. Some patients have found that even if the device can be removed, they still experience symptoms.

Even those who kept the mesh device experienced a recurrence of their initial problem. In other words, some people who had been treated for POP through transvaginal mesh surgery had a recurrence of prolapse, or a new case of stress urinary incontinence.

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit

Many women question whether the manufacturers of these products tested the devices thoroughly enough to ensure their safety. If you have had transvaginal mesh surgery and experienced vaginal mesh complications, you should understand your legal options. For more information on transvaginal mesh lawsuits, please contact us today for a free consultation.

That is the situation facing many women who have had a vaginal mesh device implanted for stress urinary incontinence. Women who have weakened muscles in the pelvic region may find that the urethra, the organ that carries urine from the bladder, may not contract properly, allowing involuntary leakage. The vaginal mesh device is inserted as a permanent fixture to provide support for the urethra to make it easier for the organ to contract efficiently.

But many women are finding that vaginal mesh products presents a number of problems, namely chronic pain and infection when the mesh erodes or contracts. In one recent study, nearly 4000 patients reported problems with surgical mesh devices, with more than 1300 patients citing complications resulting from mesh repair of stress urinary incontinence.

Once the mesh device is inserted, removing it is not necessarily a simple task. Because it is intended to be a permanent device, it quickly becomes intertwined with muscle tissue, and may not be removable. Some patients have also found that even when the device can be removed, the complications may not go away.

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit Claims

So far, about 600 people have filed lawsuits against the various surgical mesh manufacturers, and that number is expected to increase as more women learn about the lawsuits and realize that they are not the only ones in their situation. Last year alone, 75,000 women received a vaginally implanted surgical mesh device; therefore each of these patients is at risk for complications.

Although the FDA and several manufacturers have agreed that more study needs to be done to ensure the safety of the devices, this agreement comes too late for those who are already unable to work, maintain a social life or enjoy intimacy because of the pain caused by a defective mesh device.

If you have had vaginal mesh complications, we invite you to contact us for a free, confidential and personalized consultation to find out more about your individual situation and discuss your legal options including being part of a vaginal mesh lawsuit. We are currently representing women throughout the United States in bringing individual claims.

• Severe pelvic pain
• Painful intercourse
• Inability to have intercourse
• Partner experiences irritation from mesh during intercourse

These problems may signal that the implantation of a surgical mesh device has gone awry and you should consult with your doctor right away.

Transvaginal mesh devices are used to help thousands of women who have pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. These problems occur in nearly 50% of women during their lifetime, and are caused when the muscles in the pelvic area become weakened, often due to age, pregnancy, childbirth, hysterectomy or weight.

Pelvic organ prolapse, or POP, occurs when the weakened muscles allow the pelvic organs to shift downward, allowing organs such as the bladder, uterus or urethra to enter, or prolapse into, the vagina. POP actually is a fairly common occurrence, and most women are not even aware of any symptoms. The 2% of women who do experience symptoms may feel pain and pressure in the back and pelvic area, and may have difficulty with sexual, urinary and bowel functions.

Stress urinary incontinence, or SUI, occurs when the muscles in the urethra weaken and allow urine to leak involuntarily. This most often happens when a woman coughs, sneezes, exercises or lifts heavy objects.

Transvaginal mesh has been used to treat both POP and SUI because the device can provide support to the weakened muscle area. Doctors often preferred to insert the mesh vaginally instead of abdominally because it was seen as less invasive, with a faster recovery time.

Vaginal Mesh Complications Increase

After numerous complaints, the FDA has confirmed what many women already knew: serious problems exist with the transvaginal mesh. In an FDA study looking at surgical mesh use from 2005-2010, the agency found almost 4000 reports of complications from surgical mesh surgery. These complications ranged from chronic pain from vaginal mesh erosion or mesh contraction to injuries and infection resulting from the insertion of the device. The FDA found that within a two-year period, seven deaths were associated with POP repairs. As more women learn the cause of their symptoms, more reports are expected to be filed.

To date, at least 600 lawsuits have been filed against the different manufacturers who are being held accountable for the vaginal mesh complications. Women who have filed lawsuits question whether the manufacturers tested the devices thoroughly enough before introducing them to market.

If you have had complications from a transvaginal mesh failure, we encourage you to contact us to explore your legal options. There is a limited time to file a vaginal mesh lawsuit. Please contact us at your earliest convenience.

The surgical mesh devices are used to help alleviate pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition that can occur when the pelvic muscles weaken and organs such as the bladder, urethra and uterus can slip downward and protrude into the vagina. Because the pelvic muscles may weaken due to age, pregnancy, childbirth and weight, it is actually fairly common for women to have some amount of pelvic organ displacement, but only 2% of these women tend to have symptoms.

When symptoms of POP are present, however, they are impossible to ignore. Women feel pressure, pain and general discomfort, and may have difficulty with bodily functions.

Treating POP with Vaginal Mesh

Doctors may implant a mesh device to help support the weakened muscle area. But some patients have found that the so-called cure is worse than the original condition. An FDA review of all surgical mesh products from 2005- 2010 found nearly 4000 reports of complications. The biggest concern occurs because the mesh can erode, which, in some patients, causes constant, debilitating pain. The mesh can also contract, leading to pain and uncomfortable sexual intercourse. In some cases, the mesh can be life threatening. In seven POP repairs between 2008 and 2010, the patients died. The mesh device can puncture an organ, leading to a hemorrhage.

Removing the device does not always solve the problem. Because the mesh is designed to be a permanent insertion and because it can become intertwined with the tissue, it is not necessarily easy to remove. Some patients have found that, even with removal, their complications remain.

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit

Because so many complications have arisen, despite the individual manufacturer, patients are asking the question if the overall devices are at fault. Did the manufacturers test the devices thoroughly to ensure that they were safe? According to the Bloomberg Businessweek article, if one mesh device is tested, a newly developed device only needs to show that it is “substantially equivalent” to the existing one, but does not need to undergo extensive testing.

Although the FDA is reviewing the classification of surgical mesh from moderate risk to high risk, this information comes too late for those who are currently experiencing complications. Currently, there is no vaginal mesh recall that covers all of the different surgery mesh products being used in repairs.

If you have had surgery mesh complications and are considering your legal options including filing a vaginal mesh lawsuit, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your individual situation in a free and confidential consultation.

Pelvic organ prolapse, also known as POP, and stress urinary incontinence are fairly common ailments that occur in women, especially as they age. POP occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor loosen and the organs in the pelvic area, including the bladder, uterus and bowel, bulge into the vagina. This can cause pelvic discomfort, and the disruption of urinary, bowel and sexual activities. Stress urinary incontinence, or SUI, occurs when the muscles that hold urine in weaken. During moments of stress, such as when laughing or coughing, the urine can involuntarily leak out.

Mesh devices have been FDA approved for stress urinary incontinence since 1996 and for POP since 2002. These mesh devices are used to bolster the weakened muscle tissue area. The devices may be inserted through the abdomen or through the vagina. The latter is believed to be less invasive and with a decreased recovery time.

However, in a recent review of the use of transvaginal mesh devices, the FDA found nearly 4000 reports of injury, death or malfunction from the device. More than half of the reports were associated with pelvic organ prolapse repairs, and the remaining were due to stress urinary incontinence repairs. Most disturbing, the number of reports associated with POP repairs has increased five times within the last three years, and the number is expected to continue to increase.

Women are reporting debilitating, constant pain as the mesh erodes or contracts. When the mesh erodes, even multiple surgeries may not alleviate the pain. Furthermore, because the mesh quickly becomes entangled with the tissue it supports, the device may be difficult to remove. Mesh contraction, or shortening, can cause painful intercourse.

The FDA recently warned that transvaginal mesh should be reclassified as high risk and should face more regulatory controls. Currently there is no vaginal mesh recall that covers all of the different surgery mesh products.

But for women who have already experienced the failure of transvaginal mesh surgery, this is not enough. Nearly 600 women have filed lawsuits against the different manufacturers of mesh devices, asserting that the manufacturers did not thoroughly test the devices to ensure their safety.

If you have experienced the pain of vaginal mesh failure, you too may be seeking answers. We can help. We represent women and their families who believe the manufacturers should be accountable for medical devices that should heal but instead harm. Contact us today for a free, no obligation and confidential consultation to discuss your individual situation, and to explore your legal options including being part of a vaginal mesh lawsuit.

Likewise, an increasing number of women are filing lawsuits against the mesh manufacturers, seeking compensation for the chronic pain, injuries and inconvenience they have suffered, and that many of them continue to experience.

Vaginal Mesh Surgical Device

Mesh devices are implants made of a plastic substance called polypropylene. These devices are used to bolster a weakened muscle and are frequently used when a women has weakened muscles in the pelvic area.

Muscle weakening in the pelvic area is actually a common condition for women, however, for the majority of women, the symptoms are so minor they are undetectable. But for others, the symptoms and resulting problems cannot be ignored. For these women, the weakened pelvic muscles allow the pelvic organs to shift downwards, toward and even into the vagina. Women may experience discomfort, pain and difficulty with urinary and bowel functions.

Vaginal mesh devices are used to treat this pelvic organ prolapse by providing additional support to the weakened muscles, helping the organs remain in the appropriate location.

Vaginal mesh devices are also used when incontinence is due to another condition called stress urinary incontinence. Women with this condition may accidentally leak urine when they laugh, sneeze, cough, or otherwise place stress on the pelvic area. Weakened muscles of the urethra, a tubular organ that controls the flow of urine from the bladder, can cause stress urinary incontinence. Vaginal surgical mesh is used to provide the urethra with more support so that it is not as affected by stressful movements.

Vaginal Mesh Failure

Although the surgical mesh devices can be effective in reversing pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence, it is not always the case. In the FDA’s study from 2005 to 2010, over 1500 women had injuries or complications from surgical mesh used for pelvic organ prolapse and nearly 1400 had problems when the mesh was used for stress urinary incontinence.

In many of these cases, women found that once the mesh device was inserted, it began to erode. This erosion led to infection and frequently, chronic pain. Some women found they had new difficulties with urinary, bowel and sexual functions as a result of the complications from the mesh device. And, because it is designed to be a permanent implantation, it could not always be removed since it could quickly become enmeshed in the muscle tissue.

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit Settlements

Over 600 women have filed vaginal mesh lawsuit claims, and more are expected to join them. If you have had a vaginal mesh device and have experienced complications, you may be eligible for compensation as well. For information, contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your legal options and the latest vaginal mesh recall news.

About Pelvic Organ Prolapse

When the muscles in the pelvic area begin to stretch or weaken, they may be unable to hold the pelvic organs (bladder, small bowel, rectum, uterus) in place. As a result, the organs may drop and prolapse into the vagina. In addition to discomfort, this displacement can cause difficulty with urination, bowel movements and sexual intercourse.

POP is actually fairly common, occurring in 30 – 50% of women in their lifetime. It may occur as a result of the strain on the muscles from pregnancy or obesity, or it may occur after a hysterectomy. Although many women may develop POP, only 2% of those actually exhibit concerning symptoms.

General Treatment Options

The type of treatment recommended for POP depends on the severity of the condition. For some women, doing regular Kegel exercises is enough to sufficiently strengthen the pelvic muscles. Other women may insert a removable device into the vagina to support to the muscles.

For women who need much more support, doctors may recommend surgery. The procedure to repair the tissues in the pelvic muscles or vagina may be done through the abdomen or transvaginally. In order to deter the muscle tissue from tearing from future strain, surgeons may insert a mesh product to reinforce the repair.

Transvaginal Mesh Problems

In the past six years, numerous patients and their families have raised concerns about complications after transvaginal mesh surgery for POP. The FDA found that between 2005 and 2010, over 1500 reports were filed for injuries or deaths associated with the POP mesh surgery. In many cases, problems occurred during the surgery to insert the mesh device, when the product perforated the bladder, bowel or blood vessel. In other cases, the mesh began to erode, causing severe discomfort. Some patients still suffered from new cases of POP or incontinence.

Surgeries to repair the mesh were often unsuccessful. Because the mesh is intended to be permanent, it is difficult to remove. Furthermore, even when the mesh is successfully removed, complications from the original insertion may still exist.

The FDA has issued a strong statement warning of the widespread complications form transvaginal mesh surgery. While the government organization is determining how to increase the safety and efficacy of this procedure, patients should talk with their doctors about the risks, benefits and options of this type of surgery. There is currently no national vaginal mesh recall.

If you have had complications from a transvaginal mesh procedure, you are not alone. We are investigating claims from numerous patients who want to know why a product and procedure was used when it can result in long-lasting complications. If you would like to know more about these proceedings, we invite you to contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. There is a limited time to file a vaginal mesh lawsuit. Please contact us at your earliest convenience.

POP is actually fairly common, with 30-50% of women developing it in their lifetime. However, of those who develop it, typically a small percentage, 2%, show serious symptoms.

For those who do have symptoms and discomfort, doctors may recommend special exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles. Some patients may need surgery to repair the weakened muscles.

POP Surgery

Doctors may repair the pelvic and vaginal areas either by going through the abdomen or by going through the vagina. When stitching together the weakened muscles, doctors may use a mesh device to help reinforce the repair.

Recent reports have raised concerns about the use of mesh devices in transvaginal POP surgery. The FDA found that numerous women suffered serious complications after transvaginal mesh surgery. Some issues occurred during the time of the surgery, when the mesh device could puncture a nearby organ or blood vessel. Other issues occurred as the mesh eroded over time, causing new complications such as incontinence, repeat prolapse and pain.

Unfortunately, once the mesh is implanted as a permanent fixture, it quickly becomes intertwined with the tissue and becomes very difficult to remove. Doctors found that even when the mesh could be removed, some symptoms still remained. Patients who have had the transvaginal mesh surgery have even experienced renewed cases of POP, even with the mesh insertion.

The FDA has stated that complications from the transvaginal mesh procedure are not rare, and the seriousness of the complications is of concern. In a five-year period, for example, the FDA received over 1500 reports of injuries or death from transvaginal mesh for POP repairs. There currently is no national vaginal mesh recall.

If your doctor recommends transvaginal mesh surgery for POP, it is important to ask questions to understand why this particular surgery is more beneficial for you than other options.

If you have had transvaginal mesh surgery and now have complications from the procedure, you may be eligible for financial compensation. We are investigating lawsuits on behalf of patients who believe the manufacturers of the mesh devices should be held accountable for the injuries and long-term problems these products have caused. For a free, confidential and no-obligation consultation, contact us today. There is a limited time to file a vaginal mesh lawsuit. Please contact us at your earliest convenience.

On July 13, 2011, the FDA issued an update regarding problems associated with surgical mesh, particularly in cases where the device is implanted through the vagina. Complications were described by the agency as “not rare.” Nearly 500 transvaginal mesh lawsuit claims have since been filed. This number is expected to grow substantially.

Below, we’ll address several questions about pelvic mesh (sometimes called a bladder sling) and the problems it causes. The following details will help you to decide whether you should pursue a surgical mesh lawsuit claim for your injuries.

What Is Transvaginal Mesh?

Surgical mesh has been used for decades to treat hernias. Surgeons began to use it to treat POP and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in the 1990s, but did so via abdominal surgery. The device was implanted to reinforce the vaginal wall, and help return the prolapsed organs to their normal positions.

Surgeons soon started to implant the medical device transvaginally because it was a less invasive approach than abdominal surgery. In the early 2000s, several companies started to produce mesh kits that were designed for vaginal placement.

What Are The Most Common Vaginal Mesh Complications?

The FDA noted several common complications in their July 2011 report. They highlighted the erosion of the device through the vaginal wall, recurring infections, pain during intercourse, and bleeding. Urinary issues were also described as common. In addition, many women have reported vaginal drainage and persistent back pain.

The agency reported that there is a high risk of bowel and bladder perforations during the procedure. Trauma to the blood vessels can also occur.

Can Mesh Erosion Be Treated?

Pelvic mesh erosion (also called extrusion) can usually be treated successfully if the surgeon has extensive experience. Treatment involves removing the device from the injured tissue. In some cases – for example, when erosion is severe or when the device has eroded through the wall of the bladder or rectum – surgeons have been unable to retrieve it. Unfortunately, this leaves the patient exposed to chronic pain, infection, and other problems.

How Did Vaginal Mesh Products Gain Approval From The FDA?

Most of the transvaginal mesh devices on the market were approved for sale through the FDA’s accelerated 510(k) approval process. This process does not require manufacturers of medical devices to subject their products to rigorous testing via clinical trials. Instead, the companies merely need to demonstrate their devices are “substantially equivalent” to others that have already been approved for sale.

Many experts have claimed this process allows manufacturers too much flexibility at the cost of protecting the public’s safety.

I’m Experiencing Pain During Sex. Can This Be Treated?

In most cases, yes. Pain during intercourse is an outcome of mesh erosion. As mentioned earlier, erosion of the device can be treated. However, removing it from the injured tissue – whether the vagina, bladder, or rectum – can sometimes prove to be problematic.

What Should I Do If I’m Experiencing Vaginal Mesh Complications?

Your first priority should be your health. If you underwent transvaginal placement of mesh for POP or SUI repair, and are now experiencing problems, consult your physician. If possible, speak with the surgeon who installed the device. Inform him or her of the problems you’re experiencing, and ask about treatment options. Then, consult a pelvic mesh lawyer.

The current group of vaginal mesh lawsuit claims allege the manufacturers of the devices were negligent in several ways. For example, they failed to sufficiently test the devices prior to offering them for sale; they designed them without adequate regard to their safety; and they failed to inform women of the potential complications they might be forced to endure. If you have experienced bleeding, recurring infections, pain during intercourse, or other side effects, contact us to discuss your legal options and the latest vaginal mesh recall news.