Mesh Complications
Known injuries from transvaginal mesh implants.
Mesh Erosion
Mesh breaks through vaginal tissue, causing pain, bleeding, and infection. Often requires surgical removal. Most common complication.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Persistent pain in pelvic region that doesn't resolve. May worsen over time. Significantly impacts quality of life.
Dyspareunia
Painful intercourse caused by mesh placement or erosion. Can affect both the woman and her partner.
Organ Perforation
Mesh perforates bladder, bowel, or vaginal wall. Requires emergency surgery. Can cause serious infection.
Mesh Contraction
Mesh shrinks and hardens over time, causing tissue damage and pain. Often requires complete removal.
Infection
Bacteria colonize the mesh, causing chronic infection that doesn't respond to antibiotics. May require mesh removal.
FDA Action
In 2019, the FDA ordered manufacturers to stop selling transvaginal mesh for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after concluding that manufacturers had not demonstrated reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.