What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
The human body is an intricate masterpiece made up of cells, tissues, muscles, bones, and organs- each and every single part serves a particular function to the overall body. The pelvic floor is a series of muscles in the pelvic area that support vital bodily organs, such as, intestines, bladder, and uterus. Pelvic floor dysfunction, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is “when you are unable to control the muscles in your pelvic floor to have a bowel movement, it is called pelvic floor dysfunction. People with pelvic floor dysfunction contract these muscles rather than relax them. Because of this, they cannot have a bowel movement, or they have an incomplete one.”
How is a Pelvic Floor Dysfunction treated?
Typically, pelvic floor dysfunctions are treated with a net-like implant known as transvaginal mesh. Transvaginal mesh is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), two types of pelvic floor disorders. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), surgical mesh is “a medical device that is used to provide additional support when repairing weakened or damaged tissue.”
What are the Dangers of Transvaginal Mesh?
Have you seen the many commercials regarding transvaginal mesh lately? The reason for these commercials is due to growing concern over this operation. According to the Women’s Health Magazine, “Some women who had surgery involving transvaginal mesh started experiencing pain, bleeding, and erosion (meaning the mesh moved through their vaginal wall and, in some cases, into other organs).” In 2014, the FDA released a “notice stating that surgical mesh for transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse should be reclassified from moderate-risk to high-risk.” The FDA notice outlined key dangers, including:
- mesh erosion through the vagina (also called exposure, extrusion or protrusion)
- pain
- infection
- bleeding
- pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- organ perforation
- and urinary problems
- recurrent prolapse
- neuro-muscular problems
- vaginal scarring/shrinkage
- emotional problems
- and other complications
Understanding the dangers of transvaginal mesh is paramount in deciding to have this procedure done instead of pursuing other treatment options.
What to Ask Your Doctor
The FDA recommends that you ask your surgeon “about all POP treatment options, including surgical repair with or without mesh and non-surgical options, and understand why your surgeon may be recommending treatment of POP with mesh.” The FDA report explicitly lists questions that should be asked, such as: “What are the pros and cons of using surgical mesh in my particular case? How likely is it that my repair could be successfully performed without using surgical mesh? If surgical mesh is to be used, how often have you implanted this particular product? What results have your other patients had with this product? If I have a complication related to the surgical mesh, how likely is it that the surgical mesh could be removed and what could be the consequences?” Asking the right questions will guide you to the best decision for your health.
The Importance of Legal Representation:
When it comes to pelvic floor dysfunction and transvaginal mesh, the legal side of things can become very complicated, especially if you believe you have been harmed in any way. At the Brooks Law Group, we are firm believers of justice. If you believe you are a loved one has been a victim of transvaginal mesh, please do not hesitate to contact us on our website to file a free case evaluation and call us at 863-299-1962.
