The subject of dyspareunia or painful sexual intercourse has been shown to be a very crucial issue based on the vaginal mesh trials that have been resolved so far. Dyspareunia does not only have a significant impact on women’s lives, it has been reported that this is one of the most common complications attributed to vaginal mesh surgeries.
High Incidence of Dyspareunia
In a study conducted by a group of medical researchers from the University of Nijmegen Medical Center in the Netherlands, it was determined that pelvic pain after surgery was reported by 13 percent (35 out of 275) of the patients while 45 percent (77 out of 171) were found to have experienced dyspareunia. Involved in this study were 294 patients who had undergone vaginal mesh surgeries and who were evaluated after six weeks, six months, and one year.
Associated Pains
A woman with dyspareunia due to mesh complication may also have to endure other symptoms as if experiencing pain during sexual intercourse is not enough of a problem. Pain in the vagina, groin, and buttocks go hand in hand with dyspareunia in most cases. Closely associated with this complication are other problems such as heavy bleeding, vaginal discharge, organ perforation, and infections.
Dyspareunia Treatment
Removal of the implanted mesh through a surgical procedure may be required to treat this condition in almost all cases. To make matters worse, this may require removal of all the mesh and not just a portion. Pelvic surgeons have acknowledged this procedure as very complex and difficult, which may only put additional risks on the patient.
Despite the complete removal of the mesh, not all women may be relieved of the pain, according to various studies. Results of a research conducted by Dr. Erin Crosby of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan and presented during the annual scientific meeting of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) showed that at least 25 percent of the patients who had mesh excision still experienced dyspareunia even after a number of operations. The risk increases if the removal of the mesh is performed after a long period from date of vaginal mesh surgery.
Impact of Dyspareunia on Relationships
Reports would confirm that there have been countless relationships that have been sacrificed as a result of this complication. Dyspareunia is a valid issue that must be faced by those responsible even if some may find it trivial.
Women numbering in the thousands may have every right to file vaginal mesh lawsuits in order to be compensated for their suffering and other damages after experiencing dyspareunia and other complications. Several pelvic mesh lawsuits have been lined up for hearing this year after a number of claims were resolved or settled out of court in 2013. Among those expected to be heard is the fourth bellwether trial against C.R. Bard after the court denied Bard’s request to exclude internal memos in the trial.
References:
uptodate.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
medscape.com
