Taking women’s pain seriously: the surgeon who spoke out about vaginal mesh (6 June 2024)

Summary

Sohier Elneil, surgeon, expert in women’s pain, and founder of the first NHS vaginal mesh removal centre, speaks to the Rebecca Coombes about fighting for better care for her female patients.

Content

Sohier Elneil came into the public eye when she started speaking out about the devastation that implantation of vaginal mesh had caused to many women. For over 25 years, mesh was used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence in the United Kingdom. Its use is now suspended outside of strict conditions, but it is still in use globally, including in Europe and parts of the United States.

Elneil might have angered many professional colleagues with her outspokenness, but she has found vindication in the findings of a national inquiry that led to sweeping changes in women’s care. She speaks to The BMJ as she took up her post as the first professor of urogynaecology at University College London (UCL).