What Are the Symptoms of Mesh Erosion?
- Last Updated: June 12th, 2025
Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
Legally Reviewed
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.
Fact-Checked
TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.
Key takeaways:
- Mesh erosion symptoms include vaginal discharge, bleeding, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, urinary problems, and vaginal mesh complications that may affect nearby organs like the bladder and bowel from surgical mesh devices.
- Diagnosis typically requires physical examination, imaging studies (ultrasound being most effective), and laboratory tests, with surgical treatment options ranging from conservative treatment for small erosions to mesh removal for severe cases.
- Women experiencing mesh erosion may be eligible for legal compensation, ranging from $150,000 to $800,000, against manufacturers, but must act within their state's statute of limitations and maintain comprehensive medical documentation.
What Are the Symptoms of Mesh Erosion?
Question: What are the symptoms of mesh erosion?
Answer: Symptoms of mesh erosion can include abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding, discomfort, stress incontinence, and other urinary problems related to pelvic floor disorders.
Patients may experience difficulty voiding, recurrent incontinence, and persistent chronic pelvic pain in the groin, thigh, or lower abdomen.
Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) is another common complication of mesh surgery.
On this page, we’ll discuss this question in further depth, warning signs and physical symptoms of mesh erosion, treatment options and revision surgery considerations, and much more.
Overview of the Symptoms of Mesh Erosion
The type of mesh may protrude into the vagina, bladder, or urethra – causing vaginal pain, vaginal infections, and problems with urination including leaking urine.
Vaginal dryness and right-sided pelvic region pain have also been reported.
Some individuals may experience vaginal scarring or shortening, fistula formation, obstruction of the urethra, or injuries to the bowel, bladder, or other organs due to mesh contraction.
If you or a loved one suffered from complications after receiving a transvaginal mesh implant, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for a Transvaginal Mesh lawsuit today.
Table of Contents
Common Physical Symptoms of Mesh Erosion
Mesh erosion occurs when implanted surgical mesh devices break down or push through tissue barriers, causing various physical symptoms.
These symptoms can appear months or even years after your initial surgery, with severity varying among patients.
Learning more about these warning signs helps you seek timely medical care and protect your health.
Pelvic Pain and Discomfort
Persistent chronic pelvic pain differs from normal post-surgical discomfort and often worsens with movement or sitting.
You might experience sharp, burning sensations that weren’t present immediately after prolapse surgery.
Studies show pelvic floor pain affects up to 40% of patients after mesh placement.
This pain may radiate to your lower back, hips, or thighs, disrupting daily activities and indicating potential mesh shrinkage.
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding and Discharge
Unusual bleeding patterns between periods and foul-smelling discharge often indicate infection in the affected area.
Blood-tinged discharge persisting beyond normal healing timeframes requires immediate attention.
These symptoms may occur within weeks or months of mesh surgery, though some patients report onset years later as mesh erosion led to tissue breakdown.
Visible Mesh Exposure
Synthetic meshes can protrude through vaginal walls, creating a rough texture you might feel during self-examination.
The FDA received 2,874 reports of mesh complications from 2008-2010, with vaginal exposure being most common.
If you notice any foreign material or unusual texture, contact your healthcare provider immediately for evaluation of potential mesh repair needs.
Urinary and Bowel Complications
Mesh erosion can affect nearby organs and systems, particularly the bladder and bowel.
These complications often develop gradually and may be mistakenly attributed to other conditions.
FDA reports indicate urinary problems rank among the most frequent complications related to mesh sling placement, requiring prompt medical attention.
Bladder Control Issues
Between 2.3% and 6.1% of women require intervention for mesh-related bladder complications.
You may experience urinary incontinence patterns ranging from stress incontinence to complete loss of bladder control, often resulting in voiding dysfunction.
Up to 13% of patients develop recurring UTIs linked to mesh erosion.
Many women also report difficulty emptying their bladder completely, leading to frequent bathroom visits and a significant decrease in patient quality of life.
Painful Urination and Blood in Urine
Burning sensations during urination and hematuria represent common symptoms of mesh-related bladder complications, including urethral erosion.
Blood in your urine often indicates damaged tissue from mesh erosion affecting blood vessels in the area.
Symptoms may persist despite antibiotic treatment, signaling the need for further evaluation and possible surgical removal of the mesh.
Bowel Movement Difficulties
Mesh complications can lead to bowel symptoms including constipation and painful bowel movements affecting surrounding tissues.
Severe cases may result in fecal incontinence.
Patients report chronic abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, and pressure feelings.
These symptoms considerably impact quality of life and daily activities.
Sexual Health and Intimacy Issues
Mesh erosion impacts intimate relationships and sexual health in profound ways.
These symptoms are common but often underreported due to embarrassment or misconceptions about normalcy after surgical procedures.
Research shows women’s lives have been irreversibly altered by mesh complications, particularly affecting quality of life and relationships.
Pain During Intercourse
Dyspareunia has been reported at rates up to 38% following transvaginal mesh placement using the vaginal approach.
This pain differs from normal post-surgical discomfort, often presenting as sharp, burning sensations during intimate moments.
Studies show male partners report pain scores of 8 out of 10 due to exposed mesh.
The psychological impact extends beyond physical pain, straining relationships and affecting emotional well-being, often requiring intervention to relieve pain.
Decreased Sexual Sensation
Mesh erosion can damage nearby nerves, resulting in numbness or reduced sensitivity in healthy tissue.
Women report feeling like a “shadow” of their former selves.
Recovery of sexual function remains uncertain even after mesh excision procedures.
Partner-Reported Symptoms
Partners may experience scratching or cutting sensations from exposed mesh.
These partner observations often lead to a diagnosis when women hesitate to discuss symptoms.
Mesh complications impact not just sexual activity but relationship quality, particularly loss of intimacy.
Open communication between partners becomes vital for identifying and addressing these issues related to pelvic organ prolapse pop.
Systemic and General Health Symptoms
Mesh erosion can cause whole-body symptoms beyond the immediate implant area.
These systemic effects often confuse diagnosis as they may seem unrelated to your original female pelvic reconstructive surgery.
Pain, erosion, infection, bowel complications and even immune disorders have been linked to mesh placement.
Chronic Fatigue and Weakness
Your body’s inflammatory response to foreign material can lead to persistent exhaustion.
Inflammation occurs because the mesh is a foreign body that activates an immune response.
Mesh erosion symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
- Muscle weakness;
- Arthralgia;
- Chronic fatigue; and
- Sleep disorders.
This energy depletion affects daily activities, making routine tasks challenging, particularly when remaining mesh continues to cause inflammation.
Recurring Infections
Mesh-related infections may present as pelvic abscess, fistulas, or discharging sinus.
Recurrent UTIs are among the most common complications of mesh placement.
Your body struggles to fight these persistent infections, which often resist standard antibiotic treatment.
Some patients develop systemic infections requiring hospitalization, and topical treatments like estrogen cream may be prescribed to improve tissue healing.
Inflammatory Responses
Autoimmune-like symptoms may develop, including (but not limited to):
- Fever patterns
- Chills
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
Studies show markers of systemic inflammation increase following mesh implantation.
These inflammatory responses can mimic other conditions, making accurate diagnosis difficult.
Some women report developing new sensitivities or allergic reactions after mesh placement, contributing to risk factors for ongoing complications.
Recognizing Emergency Warning Signs
Identifying symptoms requiring immediate medical attention versus those for scheduled appointments is important for your safety.
Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Document all symptoms for both medical treatment and potential legal action with TruLaw, especially if incomplete removal occurred during previous surgeries.
Severe Infection Indicators
High fever with septic shock has mortality rates of 60% without prompt treatment.
Watch for spreading redness, warmth, or rapid symptom progression in the pelvic region.
Fever, chills, and confusion indicate a systemic infection that requires hospitalization and possible communication with your surgical team regarding safety concerns.
Organ Perforation Signs
Sudden severe abdominal pain intensified by movement indicates possible perforation.
Internal bleeding signs include shortness of breath and rapid heart rate.
Bowel perforation can release waste into your body, causing life-threatening sepsis.
These symptoms demand emergency surgery within hours and may result in recurrent prolapse if not properly addressed.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Call 911 if you experience severe abdominal pain, high fever, or signs of shock.
Inform emergency staff about your mesh implant for proper diagnosis.
X-rays and CT scans can detect perforations requiring emergency surgery (and potentially complete removal of your mesh implant).
Keep medical records documenting your mesh complications for healthcare providers and potential legal claims.
How Can A Transvaginal Mesh Attorney from TruLaw Help You?
Our Transvaginal Mesh attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a Transvaginal Mesh lawsuit.
With extensive experience in product liability cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders and medical experts to prove how defective mesh implants caused you harm.
TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, revision surgeries, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages resulting from your transvaginal mesh injuries.
We know the physical and emotional toll that Transvaginal Mesh complications have on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.
Meet the Lead Transvaginal Mesh Attorney at TruLaw
Meet our lead Transvaginal Mesh attorney:
- Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
How much does hiring a Transvaginal Mesh lawyer from TruLaw cost?
At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.
That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one experienced pain, bleeding, infection, organ perforation, mesh erosion, or other complications from transvaginal mesh implants, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Transvaginal Mesh lawsuit today.
TruLaw: Accepting Clients for the Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit
Transvaginal mesh lawsuits are being filed by women across the country who suffered serious complications from pelvic prolapse mesh implants used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the Transvaginal Mesh lawsuit.
A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your Transvaginal Mesh lawsuit include:
- If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The Transvaginal Mesh lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
- Expertise: We have decades of experience handling product liability cases similar to the Transvaginal Mesh lawsuit.
- Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
If you or a loved one suffered pain, infection, bleeding, organ damage, or other complications after receiving a transvaginal mesh implant, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the Transvaginal Mesh lawsuit today.
Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
-
What are the symptoms of mesh erosion?
Symptoms of mesh erosion can include, but are not limited to:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge;
- Bleeding;
- Discomfort;
- Stress incontinence; and
- Other urinary problems related to pelvic floor disorders.
Vaginal mesh patients may also experience:
- Difficulty voiding;
- Recurrent incontinence; and
- Persistent chronic pelvic pain in the groin, thigh, or lower abdomen.
-
How soon after surgery do symptoms appear?
Complications from mesh devices can happen early, or even several years, after mesh placement.
Studies show symptoms of mesh erosion may develop:
- Over 30% at 1 year;
- 40% at 2 years; and
- 50% or more after many years.
Average erosion rates vary:
- 2% after one year for SUI slings
- 1.9-5% for sacrocolpopexy
Factors affecting timing include type of mesh, surgical technique, and individual healing responses following the initial surgery.
-
Can mesh erosion symptoms come and go?
Yes, mesh erosion symptoms often fluctuate.
Pain may worsen with movement, sexual activity, or physical exertion.
Some women experience periods of relative calm followed by symptom flares.
Triggers include, but are not limited to:
- Infections;
- Physical activity; or
- Hormonal changes.
Keep a detailed symptom journal noting patterns, severity, and potential triggers for medical consultations and discussions about surgical management options.
-
What are the common complications reported with vaginal mesh?
Vaginal mesh erosion stands as the most frequently reported complication associated with transvaginal mesh.
This occurs when the implanted mesh breaks through the vaginal wall, causing intense discomfort and other troubling symptoms.
Others common symptoms of vaginal mesh erosion may include:
- Voiding dysfunctions
- Urinary tract infections
- Fistulae
- Organ perforation
- Vaginal bleeding
- Other serious complications
Other prevalent complications include painful abscesses (pus-filled sores), recurring instances of vaginal discharge, and scarring within the vagina itself.
-
What should I tell my doctor?
Create comprehensive symptom lists including onset dates, severity ratings, and impact on daily activities.
Request specific diagnostic tests, such as:
- Ultrasounds;
- CT scans;
- MRIs;
- Cystoscopies; or
- Colonoscopies.
Obtain complete medical records documenting your mesh placement and complications.
These documents support both treatment decisions and potential legal claims through TruLaw.
-
Is pelvic floor surgery the same as Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery?
Pelvic floor surgery and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) surgery are related but not exactly the same.
Pelvic floor surgery is a broader term that encompasses various surgical procedures aimed at treating conditions related to the pelvic floor, including POP.
On the other hand, Pelvic Organ Prolapse surgery specifically refers to surgical interventions to correct the prolapse of pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum.
Pelvic floor surgery involves a range of procedures that address various pelvic floor disorders, including pelvic organ prolapse.
It aims to restore the normal function and support of the pelvic organs.
Some common pelvic floor surgeries include:
- Sacrocolpopexy: This procedure involves using mesh or graft material to support the prolapsed organs and reattach them to the sacrum.
- Vaginal mesh procedures: These surgeries use synthetic mesh to provide support to the weakened pelvic floor and repair prolapse.
- Colpocleisis: This surgery involves closing the vaginal opening partially or completely to treat prolapse in elderly or frail patients who are not candidates for more extensive procedures.
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
Additional Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit resources on our website:
Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
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With TruLaw, you gain access to successful and seasoned lawyers who maximize your chances of success. Our lawyers invest in you—they do not receive a dime until your lawsuit reaches a successful resolution!
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