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A group discussing transvaginal mesh

Transvaginal Mesh: 8 Terms to Know

Transvaginal mesh is a controversial medical treatment that is currently at the center of numerous class-action and individual lawsuits. While it was originally intended to treat several abdominal conditions in women, its risks have proven to outweigh its potential benefits. 

Here are eight terms relating to this treatment that are important for understanding how it works and what side effects are possible. 

  1. Transvaginal Mesh: Perhaps this one seems obvious, but not for someone who has never heard the term until it was recommended by a doctor. Transvaginal mesh is, quite literally, a mesh sling used to provide support for weakened vaginal walls. It provides a net to keep prolapsed organs away from the vagina.

  2. Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): Also known as female genital prolapse or vaginal prolapse, this is a condition in which organs fall from their proper place in the abdomen. The organ then pushes on the vaginal walls, tearing the soft tissue in the area. It may be caused by one organ or multiple ones. Although the bladder is the most common culprit, other female organs, including the vaginal canal, uterus, and bowels, may prolapse. This generally happens when considerable strain is placed on the area, such as after childbirth, a hysterectomy, or even lifting heavy objects.

  3. Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Urinary incontinence occurs when the bladder leaks involuntarily. SUI specifically happens when this incontinence is caused by physical stress is placed on the bladder. Lifting something heavy or engaging in strenuous physical activity can be causes of the incontinence, as can simple activities like laughing, coughing, or sneezing. However, SUI is not caused by emotional or psychological stress.

  4. Polypropylene: This is the most common material that transvaginal mesh is made from. It’s also used for things like Tupperware, speakers, rope, and thermal underwear, because it’s a pretty hardy substance that doesn’t wear down too easily. However, some slings are made from other, more organic materials, like animal tissue.

  5. Tissue Erosion: Both vaginal and urinary tract erosion are side effects of transvaginal mesh. It may wear through surrounding vaginal tissues, becoming not only externally visible, but also be extremely painful, especially during intercourse. When the erosion occurs around the urinary tract, it may result in numerous urinary tract infections (UTIs).

  6. Organ Perforation: As the mesh erodes through the vaginal tissue, it may penetrate the walls of nearby organs as well. Once it permeates these organs, such as the bladder or bowels, infection ensues. When this occurs, bodily waste may leak into the bloodstream. Surgery is almost always necessary to correct this—not only will the mesh need to be removed, but additional surgeries may be required as well.

  7. Dyspareunia: This is another side effect of the sling, albeit a much less complicated one. Pronounced “dis-puh-roo-nee-uh,” it is simply pain during sexual intercourse.  It is one of the common side effects associated with tissue erosion.

  8. Urogynecologist: It takes a very specialized doctor to perform procedures related to transvagial mesh. A urogynecologist focuses in gynecology (female diseases and functions of the reproductive area), obstetrics (childbirth and pregnancy), and urology (urinary tract). 

Last Updated: August 26, 2015