Thousands of women have been allegedly injured by transvaginal mesh implants. As a result, more are turning to traditional pelvic organ prolapse (POP) treatments for relief. From erosion to infection, numerous women report painful transvaginal mesh side effects. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration suggests these complications aren’t rare, according to Lifecare Solutions Group. Today, some women seek more traditional POP treatment alternatives. According to Lifecare, vaginal pessaries and pelvic floor physical therapy are becoming popular with POP patients. Both treatments are safer than transvaginal mesh devices, but have their own complications. However, the side effects tend to be less severe than those from vaginal mesh implants. These alternative treatments may soon be the go-to therapy for many women.
POP Treatment Option 1: Pessaries
A pessary is a device that’s inserted into the vagina in order to support internal organs. Pessaries have been around for thousands of years and are a safe, semi-permanent POP treatment. In fact, more than 80% of gynecologists use pessaries daily for various conditions, according to a recent research review. A pessary usually has a ring or donut shape, and are typically made from silicone. Physicians or experienced nurses fit women for the devices beforehand to ensure it fits correctly.
Lifecare noted that women with inappropriately fitted pessaries may have complications. The device can tear the vaginal wall, causing sores and bleeding. In rare instances, an opening can develop between the rectum and the vagina, or the rectum may bulge against the vaginal wall. However, the device is not implanted in the woman and can be removed.
POP Treatment Option 2: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
The Conversation lists pelvic floor exercises as an alternative POP treatment. Women often feel POP discomfort because organs are weakened. So, strengthening muscles that hold organs in place effectively reduces pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapists often prescribe a pelvic muscle exercise regime for POP treatment. Pelvic floor physical therapy is less expensive and occurs at home. However, working out the pelvic muscles isn’t a sure-fire way to treat POP, as the pelvic muscles may still weaken. The op-ed noted women who use pelvic floor physical therapy have short-term success. Still, additional long-term studies may be needed to show long-term effectiveness.
Women don’t need surgery to relieve POP symptoms with so many alternative treatments available.
What You Can Do
If you had transvaginal mesh inserted for POP treatment and were subsequently injured, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. A good place to start is by speaking with an advocate or attorney who has a background in mass torts. Once you’ve completed your free TVM claim review, a lawyer will contact you to discuss moving forward with your case.
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.