You’ve been putting off this appointment for months—because you were just too embarrassed to come. However, the discomfort has reached epic proportions, so you figured it was time to bite the bullet and come. As the doctor sits down and asks you why you made the appointment, you stare at your fingers and relate how you’ve been having incontinence problems, bladder leakage, and extreme discomfort in your vagina. She lays you back for an exam and after what feels like an eternity of anguish, she tells you that she has to do more tests, but she believes that you have a prolapsed uterus, which is squeezing your bladder.
She explains that the issue is common in women over the age of 35, and all it means is that your uterus is drooping down farther than it should. If this is the case your options are limited to surgery or a less invasive option such as a mesh or sling to hold it in place.
Although you would prefer the less invasive option, you’re just not sure which the safer choice is. You’ve heard plenty of horror stories involved with meshes but your doctor seems to think they’re a good option.
What are the risks? Could it hurt more than surgery would?
Transvaginal Mesh Risks
In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a report indicating a transvaginal mesh warning when used to repair prolapsed pelvic organs and ease the stress of urinary incontinence. This warning stated that surgical mesh had been reported to them on several occasions—by 9 different manufacturers—that the mesh had the potential to cause serious injuries once inserted. These injuries include:
- Erosion through the vaginal epithelium – The mesh can burrow and cut into the tissue lining the vagina, causing significant discomfort and pain.
- Infection
- Pain
- Urinary problems – The mesh can push against, poke, or scrape bladder, making it difficult to urinate.
- Recurrence of prolapse and incontinence – The mesh could fail, causing the same problems all over again with the added issues that the mesh caused.
- Perforations during insertion – The bowel, bladder, and blood vessels can be scraped, poked, and cut during insertion.
- Dyspareunia – Painful intercourse for both partners.
- Vaginal scarring
Unfortunately, surgical mesh is still being used as an alternative method of repair for women who suffer from prolapsed uteri. According to a National Institute of Health report,this unfortunate ailment isn’t all that uncommon, either. The report suggests that more than 14 percent of women will experience a prolapsed uterus within their lifetime.
Spread the Word to Save Your Loved Ones From Pain and Discomfort
No one should have to suffer as a result of a surgical error or defective device. Help protect your loved ones by giving them the gift of awareness. Share this page on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus or by email to help your friends and family learn their risks. Make sure they have the information they need to properly discuss their options with their doctors. With a simple click of your mouse, you can help them get the information that could wind up saving them months of pain and years of regret. Click the media icons show your support, and help others learn the dangers of transvaginal and surgical mesh.
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