Quick read
Key points
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Vaginal mesh implants are surgical devices that were used to treat conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Following reports of significant complications in some patients, including chronic pain, the use of certain mesh procedures has been paused or restricted in many countries pending review.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You have a vaginal mesh implant and are experiencing pain, discomfort, or other new symptoms
01 · Know
What is Vaginal mesh implants?
Vaginal mesh implants are surgical devices that were used to treat conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Following reports of significant complications in some patients, including chronic pain, the use of certain mesh procedures has been paused or restricted in many countries pending review.
If you have a vaginal mesh implant, whether or not you're experiencing problems, it's worth knowing your options and how to access support if complications arise.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
See your GP for a referral to a specialist service if you have a vaginal mesh implant and any concerns or new symptoms.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1You have a vaginal mesh implant and are experiencing pain, discomfort, or other new symptoms
- 2You're unsure what type of mesh procedure you had or when
- 3You have questions about the current guidance on mesh use
- 4You're considering treatment for prolapse or incontinence and want to discuss all available options
- 5You'd like a referral to a specialist mesh complications service
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Seek assessment for any new or ongoing symptoms.Pain, infection, or other symptoms after mesh surgery should be assessed by a specialist, even years after the original procedure.
- 2Find out details of your original procedure.Knowing the type of mesh and when it was implanted helps guide any further care or investigation.
- 3Ask about specialist mesh services.Dedicated services exist to support people experiencing mesh-related complications.
- 4Discuss all treatment options for new symptoms.If considering surgery for prolapse or incontinence, ask about the full range of options, including non-mesh alternatives.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Vaginal mesh implants ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
If you have concerns about a vaginal mesh implant, specialist services are available to assess and support you, whatever the nature of your concerns.
You don't need to have obvious symptoms to ask questions about your mesh implant — a specialist review can offer reassurance either way.