Health Problems for Women Using Transvaginal Mesh
(guest article by Elizabeth Carrollton at Drugwatch.com)
Vaginal mesh has become a popular product used in surgical procedures to correct Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). Unfortunately, there have been high levels of complications and health risks associated with its use. Most vaginal mesh, or transvaginal mesh, products were given Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval under the 510(k) approval process. The 510(k) process does not require the same level of rigorous clinical trials that are required of other medical and health related products.
As reports of health complications as a result of vaginal mesh continue to rise, the FDA has issued multiple warnings about the health problems associated with its use.
FDA Warns Women and Health Care Providers About Risks Associated with Vaginal Mesh
The first warning by the FDA was sent to health care professionals in 2008. It warned that there were health risks associated with the use of transvaginal mesh and that health care providers needed to be 100% familiar with the product(s), and inform their patients regarding its risks, to help minimize further complications.
The second FDA warning was released in 2011. By this point, the FDA considered vaginal mesh to be the cause of "serious complications" and concluded it introduced risks that were not a factor with its counterpart: surgery without mesh.
It is imperative that women who have undergone any surgical procedure that incorporated vaginal mesh understand its risks and recognize the symptoms of complications so they can receive immediate medical treatment if necessary.
Health Problems and Symptoms Related to Transvaginal Mesh
Complications arise in as many as 10 percent or more of all women who have had vaginal mesh implants to correct POP. The reason the mesh is so dangerous is because it can begin to erode and protrude into vaginal tissues and organs. It can take multiple surgeries to correct the damage done by vaginal mesh, and in some cases, the damage results in permanent incontinence or punctured organs, referred to as organ perforation.
Complications from vaginal mesh include:
Pain or discomfort in the vagina or inside the pelvic cavity
A pulling or tugging sensation caused by the tendency of the mesh to contract over time and pull connected tissues with it
Pain during sexual intercourse (often the pain occurs in a partner who is abraded by the protruding mesh material)
Incontinence or pain during bowel movements
Unusual constipation
Chronic infections
A change in vaginal bleeding and/or discharge
Women must see a medical professional immediately if any of these symptoms occur after the insertion of a vaginal mesh product. The more time that passes before the situation is reported, the more difficult it is for doctors to correct the damage
.
Anyone who feels she is suffering from health complications related to vaginal mesh should contact her health care professional, as well as the FDA, to report the issue. Women also may be able to receive legal compensation for their medical benefits, wages lost, as well as for pain and suffering related to permanent health issues. Many women have already joined together in filing a transvaginal mesh lawsuit.
Anyone who feels she is suffering from health complications related to vaginal mesh should contact her health care professional, as well as the FDA, to report the issue. Women also may be able to receive legal compensation for their medical benefits, wages lost, as well as for pain and suffering related to permanent health issues. Many women have already joined together in filing a transvaginal mesh lawsuit.
Anyone considering undergoing corrective surgery for POP or SUI should talk to their doctor about alternatives to mesh products.
Elizabeth Carrollton writes to inform the public of defective medical devices and dangerous drugs for Drugwatch.com.
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