Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and connective tissue of the pelvic floor weaken or are injured and can no longer support the pelvic organs. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development explains that in prolapse, one or more pelvic organs drop or press into the vagina, and in uterine prolapse the cervix and uterus can come out of the vaginal opening. Symptoms include a feeling of pressure or a bulge, urinary problems, and discomfort. Childbirth, aging, menopause, and chronic straining are common causes.

Treatments include pelvic floor exercises, a removable support device called a pessary, and surgery. For years, many surgeons repaired prolapse through the vagina using synthetic surgical mesh. Complications such as mesh erosion, pain, infection, and bleeding led to a large wave of product liability lawsuits and closer FDA review.

On April 16, 2019, after reviewing premarket approval applications, the FDA ordered all manufacturers of surgical mesh intended for transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse to stop selling and distributing their products in the United States. That order covered mesh for prolapse placed through the vagina. It did not ban mesh placed through the abdomen for prolapse, or mesh slings for stress urinary incontinence.

If you had prolapse surgery with mesh and have complications, your operative report will name the device, which is the first thing needed to evaluate a claim. Women with mesh already in place who have no symptoms generally do not need it removed; talk with your doctor. See our guides on multidistrict litigation and mass torts.