Muscular weakness in the pelvic floor, also known as pelvic organ prolapse, is a condition that millions of women deal with on a constant basis. This condition may be the result of labor or childbirth or naturally develop with age that has now resulted in a permanent weakness in the critical muscles and ligaments that support the pelvic organs. Similarly, stress urinary incontinence can also develop in women. A common intervention for these conditions was the implantation of vaginal mesh. In best-case scenarios, this material provided structural support to the pelvic muscles helping women regain control.
Sadly, we now know that there are significant health problems caused by vaginal mesh. These problems were so significant that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an order in 2019 requiring a stop to all new implantations of this material through the vagina to treat pelvic organ prolapse. It is possible that women who were implanted with vaginal mesh may now be experiencing significant injuries related to their surgery. A vaginal mesh attorney could help evaluate your legal options in this situation.
Many women experience health concerns that may have indicated the use of vaginal mesh in the past. Doctors used vaginal mesh to help support the muscles that hold the internal organs in place. This often became necessary due to conditions called pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). These conditions result in a loss of muscle control that may lead to organs bulging out of the vagina or a loss of ability to control one’s urination or bowel movements. The idea behind the use of vaginal mesh was to provide support to these muscles and organs to keep them in their proper place.
Unfortunately, we now recognize that the materials used in the procedures can cause significant health concerns. According to information from the Cleveland Clinic, complications related to the use of vaginal mesh can include:
These problems became so consistent that the FDA ordered a halt to the use of these products in 2019 to treat pelvic organ prolapse. The team at BGAN Law could provide more information about the connection between the use of vaginal mesh and their health problems.
The makers of all consumer products, including those that fall under the category of medical devices, have an obligation under the law to produce items that are safe for their intended use. As applies to instances involving vaginal mesh, this means that they must perform extensive tests on the safety of the product and give doctors clear instructions on how to properly implant the vaginal mesh.
It now appears that the makers of vaginal mesh have failed in this duty. The FDA order in 2019 states that it is now clear that the risks involved in the use of vaginal mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse outweigh the potential benefits for a patient. The question is whether the makers of these products knew this fact and still allowed it to affect patients.
People who have suffered injuries after the implantation of vaginal mesh have the right to demand compensation for their losses. This can often include payments for medical bills and compensation for their lost quality of life.
Vaginal mesh products pose a significant risk to the health of all patients. Once a common treatment for POP or SUI conditions, we now know that these materials tend to break down over time. This can often cause significant bleeding, pain during sex, or even damage to other organs.
If you have suffered an injury and believe that vaginal mesh is to blame, the makers of these products may be responsible for providing you with compensation. We could help explain the dangers associated with these products and fight to protect your legal rights. Contact us now to discuss your case.