An increasing number of vaginal mesh lawsuit claims have been filed by people who have had numerous side effects as a result of vaginal mesh complications.

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.