Pelvic mesh implants: issues at a physical and psychological level (27 September 2021)

Summary

In this article, Dr Ivan Ramos-Galvez, Consultant in Pain Medicine at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, discusses the physical and psychological issues that can arise following surgery for pelvic mesh implants.

Dr Ramoz-Galvez highlights that around a third of reported complications are systemic symptoms such as runny nose, muscle pain, brain fog and lethargy, which may be the result of a chronic inflammatory state within the body. Their link to pelvic mesh implants is suggested by the fact that many women report that these symptoms resolve after their implant is removed.

He also discusses the wide-ranging impact of pelvic mesh side effects for women who experience them, highlighting that the consequences are not only physical, but also psychological, social and financial. He calls for the medical profession to recognise this and develop treatments that cover all aspects of pelvic mesh complications.