A reported 800 women are taking legal action against the makers of vaginal mesh implants, due to the complications many women are facing.

A vaginal mesh implant is a plastic mesh, which is intended to repair damaged or weakened tissue. It is primarily used by surgeons to treat pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence in women. The treatment is common in the UK, and is estimated more than 100,000 woman have had a mesh implant or tape.

Complaints are primarily in relation to the mesh implant rather than tension free vaginal tape, although side effects following treatment using the tape have also been reported.

Patients are reporting significant side effects, such as debilitating pain impacting mobility, intimacy and day to day activities.  Other common side effects are infection and vaginal bleeding.

Mesh implants have successfully been used in other parts of the body but appear to react differently when used to treat a vaginal prolapse. Once the implant has been placed, it can be difficult to remove.

The Department of Health has announced it is set to carry out investigations into how many women in England have suffered difficulties due to vaginal mesh implants. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MRHA) statistics show that 2-6% women who have had the implant suffer complications.

Women have been advised by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists that if they decide to have the implant, they should have a lengthy discussion with the clinician so they are aware of the potential side effects and the procedure should be performed by a specialist.

In November 2017, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellent recommended that vaginal mesh operations should be banned from treating organ prolapses. However the recommendation has not yet been accepted by NHS England.

If you have concerns regarding the care or treatment that you have received, please contact us on 0116 254 7456 for a no obligation conversation.