Transvaginal mesh is a manufactured, net-like product that has been used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence in women. The mesh is intended to provide extra support to weakened tissues in the pelvis. It has been used worldwide for many years and in Australia for over 15 years.

Women have experienced a range of outcomes after treatment using transvaginal mesh.

Some women have experienced complications and others have not.

Women who report complications from transvaginal mesh procedures have described a range of symptoms, including:

  • Chronic pain in the pelvis, lower back, hip and thigh, or a combination of these
  • Becoming aware of the mesh during intercourse or experiencing pain during sex for the woman or her partner
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Being able to feel the mesh in the vagina or having pain or a prickly feeling
  • Having blood in the urine due to erosion of the mesh into the bladder or urethra (urine tube)
  • Obstruction of the urethra causing bladder symptoms such as retention (being unable to urinate when your bladder is full), incontinence, urge incontinence (sudden and strong need to urinate) and poor urinary flow
  • Recurrent urinary or vaginal infection
  • A ‘foreign body response’ (wound breakdown, extrusion, erosion, exposure, fistula formation and/or inflammation)

For more information on assessment and management options, please refer to the Patient Information page.