Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a disorder in which a woman’s pelvic organs may shift out of place and extend downward into the vaginal canal. In severe cases, the organs may bulge out of the canal. Organs that may be affected by prolapse are: the bladder, uterus, rectum, vagina, and urethra. The condition happens when a woman’s pelvic floor muscles and tissues are too weak to hold the organs in place. This weakening can occur due to pregnancy and childbirth or simply due to aging.
Treatment for severe pelvic organ prolapse often includes the surgical insertion of transvaginal mesh. This mesh looks like a screen and is surgically implanted to provide additional support for the weak muscles and tissues. It physically holds the prolapsed organs in place. Transvaginal mesh is implanted through abdominal surgery, but can lead to unexpected complications.
Transvaginal Mesh For Pelvic Organ Prolapse Pulled From Market
All surgical procedures carry with them some element of risk. In addition to the fact that insertion requires abdominal surgery, which can carry risk in and of itself, vaginal mesh has been known to cause problems well after the surgical site has healed, sometimes years afterward. The most commonly reported problems are: mesh poking through the vaginal skin, causing “vaginal erosion,” chronic pelvic pain, and pain with intercourse. Other issues included recurring prolapse, infection, and vesicovaginal fistula formation.
These complications were so widespread that in April 2019, the FDA ordered manufacturers to stop distributing their products in the United States.
Discuss Your Situation With A Medical Negligence Attorney
There are thousands of women in the United States who have been treated for POP with transvaginal mesh, and problems are still cropping up. Many women are discovering that they are not alone in experiencing problems and discomfort after having transvaginal mesh attached to treat pelvic organ prolapse, and it is not all “in their heads.” The problems caused by vaginal mesh are real and can be quite severe.
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your pelvic region or have concerns about your mesh, consult your doctor. It’s important to remember that many women experience no complications or discomfort after their procedures.
Just because you have transvaginal mesh does not mean it will cause you harm, but if you think it is causing you harm and want to explore your legal options, contact The Beregovich Law Firm for a free consultation. We have been working with women throughout Florida to help them obtain answers and closure for transvaginal mesh problems and complications.
Call The Beregovich Law Firm with offices in Orlando and Miami at (800) 631-9009 or contact us online to discuss your situation with our medical negligence attorney.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
