Transvaginal mesh products can lead to serious complications and side effects. Within weeks or months of surgery, mesh products have been observed to erode through the vaginal walls or other organs — this is one of the most serious complications of these surgeries. In such occurrences, the mesh device moves through the vaginal wall and can even penetrate surrounding organs. This erosion often leaves patients unable to comfortably sit, walk, have sexual intercourse, or participate in other activities. It also means patients are required to undergo invasive surgeries to remove the mesh. Revision surgeries can cause disfigurement in women, with some patients permanently injured as a result of vaginal scarring.
Vaginal infections and bleeding are side effects of transvaginal mesh products. Symptoms of vaginitis, which is the general medical term for vaginal infection or inflammation, include abnormal discharge, unpleasant odor, burning sensation during urination, and discomfort during intercourse.
Painful sexual intercourse, known as dyspareunia, is another one of the side effects associated with transvaginal mesh products. It can occur before, during, or after intercourse and, beyond the physical discomfort, is a source of serious stress for women affected by it. Another side effect is painful urination, also called dysuria, which describes any discomfort or pain when passing urine.
Gastrointestinal perforation can also result from the use of such products, specifically with the bowel. Such a condition represents a medical emergency, as it can cause a serious infection known as peritonitis. Bladder perforation is another risk associated with transvaginal mesh products. If diagnosed in a timely way, bladder perforation can be surgically managed, although historically it has had fatal trends.
Perhaps the worst side effect of transvaginal mesh products and associated surgeries is the trauma that affected women experience. Mesh implants are originally intended to alleviate intimacy discomforts for women who feel embarrassed or self-conscious about pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence — which is often compounded with self-consciousness related to childbirth or aging. Instead of having their problems fixed, women encounter more, and more serious, complications. They are met with excruciating pain, a halt to their sex lives, and, as a result of adverse side effects, multiple hospitalizations with staggering medical bills.
Although the physical side effects associated with transvaginal mesh products are undoubtedly difficult to deal with, the ongoing efforts and expenses to repair damages in addition to the personal costs of suffering through precipitating conditions add to the overall anguish.