After the leading mesh device manufacturers Johnson & Johnson and C.R. Bard were ordered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct investigations on vaginal mesh safety, compliance became their only response. Organizations promoting women’s health, however, believe that this action (although promising) is still not enough.

 

 

It has been four years since the FDA announced its first safety communication regarding the after-effects of mesh materials when vaginally implanted. These devices have been increasingly used in gynecologic clinics not only in the United States but also in some of the highly developed nations of  the world. Doctors believe that if precautions were taken seriously during the procedure and in the recovery period, early complications may be prevented. The possibility of the prolapse to recur is rather high, but it may be delayed or avoided if proper exercises and other healthy practices are carried out every day throughout the patient’s lifetime.

 

 

The pelvic organs are enclosed safely in the pelvic cavity. Because of the bony pelvis to which these organs rest, they are somewhat protected to a great degree. But when exposed to unfriendly circumstances like pelvic fractures, birth injuries, hormonal fluctuations, and innate disorders that have gradually evolved, the organs within this protective structure may easily prolapse and lead to abnormal functioning of the organs involved.

 

 

Normally, more than one pelvic organ may shift at the same time, but the most prone to this abnormal displacement is the bladder. This type of prolapse is primarily caused by the muscular changes to the vaginal wall brought by a difficult vaginal delivery. Older women and those who encountered complicated childbirths are the mostly affected.

 

 

The second-most likely to prolapse is the uterus. This downward shift of the womb may be predisposed by the physiological effects of pregnancy and ageing. Loss of muscle tone in women who have just gone through menopause is one of its main causes. Additionally, even younger women with underlying conditions in which depletion of estrogen is present are also exposed to this muscle-weakening disease.

 

 

With all the complexities in a woman’s life, problems like these are hardly even noticeable until apparent changes to one’s quality of life start showing up. This has been women’s usual reaction to every health threat that comes. Women may have to start dealing with these problems seriously, and keep in mind that battling against big product companies through a vaginal mesh lawsuit will never be enough to undo the damages these devices may cause.

 

 

 

 

The world is looking closely at the latest issues affecting women’s health. One of these debilitating problems is vaginal wall prolapse. As the name suggests, it is characterized by the abnormal movement of the vaginal wall from its original position. Of all types of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), vaginal wall prolapse by far remains the most difficult to diagnose.

 

 

As is common in most medical conditions, diagnosing a vaginal wall prolapse needs a comprehensive review of the patient’s health background and a careful physical examination. But, since vaginal wall prolapse hardly manifest any symptoms until it is in the severe stage, the doctor will do more than the standard pelvic inspection.

 

 

Most patients are ashamed to discuss their symptoms with their doctors. However, the disclosure even of the mildest discomforts may help the doctor identify the extent of the p

rolapse (if indeed there is one). Detailed descriptions of the symptoms may also help determine other pelvic organ prolapse that the patient may have as well.

 

 

One procedure that may help is the Q-tip cotton swab test which may be done by the doctor through inserting an applicator with a sterile gel into the urethra. The patient will be asked to either cough or strain like in voiding. Through this test, the doctor checks the presence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and the need for surgery. Other than this, the physician will also assess the strength of the pelvic muscles.

 

 

In advanced prolapse, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be of biggest help. This provides a three-dimensional image of the pelvis which would make the visualization of any abnormality found in the pelvic region clearer. Ultrasound may also be done, but since MRI readings are more elaborate and reliable, patients and doctors often choose this diagnostic procedure.

 

 

The early identification of vaginal wall prolapse is significant for a successful medical and surgical treatment. In the past few years, there are only few options available for women. As a matter of fact, even the most modern approach such as the vaginal mesh does not ensure a safer and more successful surgery. In view of this, the makers of these devices are facing vaginal mesh lawsuit from some of its customers.

 

 

Problems of the urethra-genital area often occur after childbirth, medical research says. Bladder prolapse is one of them. The bladder is the hollow organ in the body that holds urine before it is excreted. The bladder is being supported by the vaginal wall. After giving birth, the woman’s vaginal wall loosens. By the time she reaches menopause, her vaginal wall may not be able to support her bladder anymore. This would lead to bladder prolapse. 

 

Sudden urinary incontinence or SUI is also a problem. Uncontrolled release of urine occurs when a person exerts effort like lifting or sneezing. Menopause and too much strain on the pelvis may be one of the reasons for this problem. Up to 40% of women who suffers SUI have sought medical help and most adult women have encountered this problem once. Weakened vaginal walls cal also cause bowel prolapse. It is often caused by giving birth, ageing and straining. Straining is often painful when a person is constipated. Vaginal hernia may also be caused by surgery. 

 

By far these three are the main reasons for women to undergo operation. In order to support the vaginal wall, a surgeon will insert a transvaginal mesh. A transvaginal mesh implant helps prevent the recurrence of vaginal prolapse. Since its introduction in the late 1950s, there have been a number of various complaints. Most of the pains patients felt occur after surgery. They thought that it was only due to the surgery but stayed longer even if the wound was already healed. 

 

It was only after different researches were conducted that they pinpointed the mesh to be the cause. A warning was issued in 2008 by the Food and Drug Administration due to the persistent bad reviews of this surgical process. Studies documented the occurrence of infection around the area where the mesh was implanted. The infection may have been due to the corrosion of the mesh through the tissue. Sexual intercourse is also painful, patients say. In other operations the bowel, bladder or blood vessels have been punctured, causing several complications. 

 

Severe reactions from the transvaginal mesh after operation such as pelvic organ prolapse are encouraged by the FDA to be reported. The manufacturer has already been facing lawsuits against the recipients of the mesh. One of the complainants, a woman who had three operations before knowing that the problem was due to the mesh, lodged a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Recipients are looking for compensation for all the pain that they have experienced due to the mesh.