Transvaginal Mesh Complications

What is a transvaginal mesh? What kind of conditions is it used to treat?
A transvaginal mesh is a synthetic sling-like mesh which is used to strengthen the muscles of the pelvis. It is most commonly for women who experience weakening of the pelvic muscles due to childbirth and aging. As a result of the weakening, organs such as the bladder and uterus are not supported well enough and begin to descend and apply pressure on the vaginal wall. This causes severe pain and discomfort in women, and can lead to conditions such as Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) or Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI).


Transvaginal meshes were developed in the 1990s as a treatment option for the above conditions. They immediately appealed to women and surgeons alike, because the mesh could be inserted non-surgically through the vagina (hence the ‘transvaginal’) avoiding the need for large incisions. Over the next two decades, hundreds of thousands of women underwent the procedure. In the year 2010 alone, 300,000 women opted for a transvaginal mesh revision surgery.

What are transvaginal mesh complications?
Though the treatment option was effective initially, the long-term proved otherwise, and women started experiencing multiple complications which were attributed to the insertion of the mesh. These included but were not limited to:

  • excessive, ongoing vaginal discharge and drainage
  • vaginal scarring and shortening
  • skin breakage
  • contraction of the mesh sling
  • vaginal bleeding
  • protrusion of the device
  • erosion of vaginal epithelium
  • shrinkage of the vagina

Between 2005 and 2008, the FDA received a number of complaints regarding transvaginal mesh complications. In response, the FDA issued a public health notice stating that complications arising from the use of a transvaginal mesh were a rare occurrence. However, after an extended investigation, the FDA issued another public health notice in 2011 in which they recanted their earlier statement and informed the public that transvaginal mesh complications were not rare and can occur frequently. Additionally, the FDA ordered manufacturers to conduct studies to evaluate the safety of their products as well.

As a result of these announcements, several mesh manufacturers became the target of lawsuits filed by women who had experienced physical and emotional stress due to the surgery. It is speculated that the treatment option was fast-tracked for public use without proper evaluation methods, because initial results showed it to be highly effective.

Multiple ongoing investigations are currently looking for individuals who may have experienced transvaginal mesh complications to provide evidence. You can also be compensated for the damages you have experienced. Reporting your case to such an investigation or the FDA directly is highly recommended. Efforts are also being made to explore safer alternative therapies which can be effective in treating the conditions experienced by women.

Though it is accepted that complications due to a transvaginal mesh occur in higher frequency, working closely with a doctor and following strict guidelines can allow the treatment to work. There is still a chance of health problems arising, but it can be minimized.

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FAQs

Q:What are the main transvaginal mesh problems that women have experienced?

A:A transvaginal mesh is a product designed to treat weakened vaginal walls, organ prolapse, and stress urinary continence. However, this product has been linked to many side effects such as the following: vaginal mesh erosion, infection, vaginal mesh hardening, injury to nearby organs, urinary problems, and more. Many women have filed medical lawsuits against the manufacturers of the product to seek compensation for their suffering.

Q:What are the mesh complications that are being highlighted?

A:Transvaginal mesh is a type of synthetic device that helps support pelvic and vaginal walls to prevent organ prolapse and stress urinary continence. Many women have undergone such treatments in recent years. However, the mesh has led to certain medical complications among these women. These include the following: vaginal scarring, skin breakage, infections, erosion of the mesh, protrusion of the device, organ damage, and more.

Q:What are the most obvious vaginal mesh side effects?

A:Many women who have undergone mesh surgeries are suffering from medical complications due to the procedure. Some of the most common side effects of vaginal mesh are: vaginal scarring, bladder pain, infection, movement of the mesh, deterioration of the mesh, urinary tract erosion, vaginal wall erosion, recurrence of incontinence, and shrinkage of the mesh.

Q:Can transvaginal mesh complications be very severe?

A:Not all mesh complications are severe in nature. But it is recommended that you seek medical help instantly to prevent health complications from growing. Some of the main side effects caused by mesh include the following: infections and abdominal pain, erosion of the mesh, skin breakage, shrinkage of the mesh, vaginal scarring, and vaginal bleeding.

Q:I am going through some severe complications of transvaginal mesh. Can I file a lawsuit?

A:There have been numerous reports of patients who have suffered from the adverse side effects of transvaginal mesh. If you are facing any similar complications you can file a lawsuit and claim compensation. It is advisable that you contact a lawyer who has experience in cases related to transvaginal mesh.

Q:How much compensation can I receive for severe vaginal mesh complications?

A:Compensation for transvaginal mesh complications can vary according to the individual cases. If you want to have an estimate of the compensation you will receive, you will need to contact a vaginal mesh lawyer. The lawyer will help you in finding out about the lawsuit procedure and compensation as well.

Q:Can you tell me about the investigations related to bladder mesh complications?

A:There are a number of investigations going on to find evidence of bladder mesh complications in individuals. If you or your loved one is suffering from such complications or side effects, you can claim compensation. It is strongly recommended that you report your case to such an investigation or directly to FDA.

Q:I have heard of several surgical mesh implant complications. Are there any alternates available?

A:It is true that surgical mesh implants can result in several complications in patients. It is best to consult a doctor and discuss in detail about the use of surgical mesh and its complications. Surgical mesh implants may not be the best option or always necessary in patients and a doctor can guide you appropriately about it.

Q:I am facing several problems with vaginal mesh. Will the manufacturer compensate me for it?

A:If you are facing problems or complications related to vaginal mesh, you may take legal advice from a vaginal mesh lawyer. A lawyer experienced in similar cases can guide you about filing a lawsuit, and may also estimate the amount of compensation you can get for adverse effects and suffering.