Transvaginal mesh devices can treat two conditions: Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). These devices can cause health complications in many women who ultimately file lawsuits against the manufacturers.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
POP occurs when pelvic floor muscles and ligaments become so weak they cannot support organs, like the bladder and uterus. As a result, pelvic organs can slip out of place, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some women may experience POP after childbirth, menopause or having a hysterectomy. POP symptoms include feeling very full in your lower belly, pressure from pelvic organs pushing against the vaginal wall, incontinence, constant urination or having bowel problems such as constipation, WebMD reported.
What is Stress Urinary Incontinence?
SUI is incontinence, or the unintentional loss of urine, caused by movement or physical activity. A cough, sneeze or running can prompt stress incontinence, for example, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Many more women currently suffer from SUI than men. Stress urinary incontinence can embarrass women, limit their social lives and even affect exercise habits.
Transvaginal Mesh
Transvaginal mesh devices provide support for POP as well as help SUI. However, over time, it’s become clear these devices are dangerous and pose serious health risks to women. A number of side effects could occur, including pain, mesh erosion into the bowel, vagina or bladder, skin breakage, vaginal scarring and shortening, and vaginal bleeding.
Many such complications recently prompted thousands of women to file lawsuits against these devices’ manufacturers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned patients against transvaginal mesh devices, saying complications are often reported. In 2011, the agency said doctors should seriously consider other treatment options for POP and SUI before deciding on a TVM.
“There are clear risks associated with the transvaginal placement of mesh to treat POP,” said William Maisel, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director and chief scientist of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “The FDA is asking surgeons to carefully consider all other treatment options and to make sure that their patients are fully informed of potential complications from surgical mesh. Mesh is a permanent implant – complete removal may not be possible and may not result in complete resolution of complications.”
What You Can Do
If either you or a loved one were injured by TVM, you may qualify for financial compensation from the manufacturer. Start your free TVM claim review now. An attorney will contact you to discuss your case and see if you may be eligible.
Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.