Vaginal Mesh FAQs

• Q: What is vaginal mesh?
  A: Vaginal mesh, or surgical mesh, is a device made from synthetic or biological material that is used to reinforce the vaginal wall. More
• Q: What is vaginal mesh used for?
  A: Vaginal mesh is used to support the urethra to treat urinary incontinence or to reinforce the vaginal wall to repair pelvic organ prolapse. Read more vaginal mesh … More
• Q: What is pelvic organ prolapse?
  A: Pelvic organ prolapse is when the tissues that hold the pelvic organs in place become weak or stretched.  When pelvic organ prolapse occurs, pelvic organs, … More
• Q: Is there an alternative to using vaginal mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse?
  A: Yes, surgery to repair pelvic organ prolapse can be perfomed through the vagina using stitches.  More
• Q: Is vaginal mesh permanent?
  A: Yes, vaginal mesh is a permanent implant, and complete removal may not be possible. More
• Q: What is stress urinary incontinence?
  A: Stress urinary incontinence is urinary leakage during physical activity.  The physical activity that causes stress urinary incontinence may be as simple as … More
• Q: Is vaginal mesh safe?
  A: The FDA released a safety update on July 13, 2011, informing healthcare providers and patients that complications associated with transvaginal repair using surgical … More
• Q: What are the complications associated with vaginal mesh?
  A: The most common complication with vaginal mesh is erosion of the mesh through the vagina; the erosion can be debilitating for some women, and several surgeries may be … More
• Q: Is vaginal mesh more effective to treat urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse?
  A: No, the FDA conducted a systematic review of scientific literature regarding the use of vaginal mesh from 1996-2011, and the review showed transvaginal repair with … More
• Q: Are complications with vaginal mesh common?
  A: Yes, the FDA reported the number of adverse events associated with vaginal mesh between 2005 – 2007 was over 1,000, and the number of complications between 2008 … More