Due to growing reports about transvaginal mesh (TVM) complications, new pelvic organ prolapse treatment options are becoming popular. One report says that pessaries, one of the oldest medical devices available, might make a comeback.
Traditional Treatments Include Non-Surgical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment Options
Pessaries are a removable medical device placed in the vagina to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Modern-day pessaries made from inert plastic or silicone require minimal care. They are among the more conservative pelvic organ prolapse treatment options. However, pessaries still effectively treat POP and other gynecologic problems, like stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Pessaries also do not require patients to undergo surgery.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment Options: Recent Research on Pessaries
A 2010 report said pessaries were safe and effective for treating POP and SUI patients long-term. A survey of 106 women with stage II POP or above found most experienced significant symptom improvements with pessaries. The report also stated that pessary design should continue improving over time. This might make pessaries more attractive among various pelvic organ prolapse treatment options for women.
An American Urogynecologic Society survey showed 77% of respondents first used pessaries to treat POP—its most common use. This is because doctors typically offer pessaries first among several different pelvic organ prolapse treatment options. Pessaries may work for women wanting pelvic organ prolapse treatment options which don’t require surgery. Women who still wish to bear children in the future may also seek out non-surgical pelvic organ prolapse treatment options.
Pessaries can cause complications as well, though these side effects are rare, including vaginal irritation, bleeding and open sores in the vaginal wall. However, thousands of women reported adverse events including pain, infection, organ perforation, urinary problems and bleeding, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Lawsuits against TVM Manufacturers
Many women have filed lawsuits against transvaginal mesh makers as well to seek compensation for their injuries and medical expenses from TVM side effects. If you have been injured by TVM, you may be eligible to receive compensation through a transvaginal mesh lawsuit. To see if you qualify for a free consultation with an attorney in your area, fill out your free claim evaluation today.
Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.