Transvaginal Mesh in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Transvaginal mesh has been a topic of concern for many women in West Michigan. If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding Kent County area and are considering surgery for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence, it’s important to understand what transvaginal mesh is, how it is (and is not) used in the United States today, and what alternatives are available locally.

What Is Transvaginal Mesh?

Transvaginal mesh is a synthetic, net-like material designed to provide extra support to weakened or damaged tissue in the pelvis. It is called “transvaginal” mesh because it is inserted through the vagina during surgery.

You may also hear it called:

  • Mesh tape
  • Sling
  • Ribbon
  • Hammock

The mesh has small holes that allow your body’s tissue to grow into it. It is designed to be permanent. In some cases, mesh can be very difficult—or not possible—to fully remove if complications occur.

Current Use of Transvaginal Mesh in the United States

In the United States, including Michigan:

  • Transvaginal mesh is no longer approved for most pelvic organ prolapse repairs performed through the vagina.
  • Certain types of mesh may still be used for stress urinary incontinence (for example, mid-urethral slings), but use has become more cautious and closely monitored.

If you are in Grand Rapids and have been told you might need mesh, ask your urogynecologist or pelvic floor surgeon exactly what type of mesh or sling they are proposing and what it is being used to treat.

When Might Transvaginal Mesh Be Considered?

Mesh should only be considered after non-surgical treatments have been tried and have not worked, and after you have been fully informed of all options.

Transvaginal mesh is:

  • Only one of several possible surgical options
  • Not the first-line treatment for most women
  • Used less frequently today due to concerns about complications

If you live in Grand Rapids, you may discuss these options with specialists at:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) in Grand Rapids – Urogynecology and pelvic floor programs
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – Women’s health and pelvic surgery specialists
  • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health) – Pelvic health and urology services
  • Mercy Health locations in West Michigan – Women’s health and urology services

Before agreeing to any surgery involving mesh, you should understand the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives. This process is called informed consent.

Consider asking your Grand Rapids urogynecologist or surgeon:

About the Procedure

  • What condition are you treating (pelvic organ prolapse, stress urinary incontinence, or both)?
  • Why are you recommending this specific procedure for me?
  • Are you recommending transvaginal mesh, a sling, or a non-mesh repair?

About the Mesh Itself

  • What type of mesh or sling will you be using?
  • Is this mesh currently approved for use in the United States for my condition?
  • What are the known risks and complication rates for this specific product?

About the Surgeon’s Experience

  • Are you specially trained in pelvic floor and mesh-related surgeries?
  • How many of these procedures have you performed?
  • What have your outcomes and complication rates been?

About Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives

  • What are the benefits of this procedure for me specifically?
  • What are the short-term and long-term risks?
  • What non-surgical options are available?
  • What surgical options are available without using transvaginal mesh?
  • What will happen if I choose not to have surgery right now?

You may also wish to seek a second opinion, which is common and appropriate for complex pelvic surgery decisions. Many women in Grand Rapids obtain second opinions through Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or University of Michigan Health–West.

Possible Complications of Transvaginal Mesh

Complications from transvaginal mesh can occur:

  • Soon after surgery, or
  • Months or even years later

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-altering pain. Possible complications include:

  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Abdominal, buttock, or leg pain
  • Irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Pelvic swelling
  • Pain or discomfort during sex (for you or your partner)
  • Bladder problems, including infections or difficulty emptying
  • Bowel problems, including constipation or incontinence
  • A prickling, sharp, or stabbing pain in the vagina, often worse with walking, sitting, or exercise
  • Mesh exposure or erosion (when mesh can be felt or seen in the vagina)

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have had a mesh procedure in the past—whether here in Michigan or elsewhere—and are now experiencing any of these symptoms, you should:

  1. See your primary care provider, OB/GYN, or urogynecologist for evaluation.
  2. Bring any records you have about the type of mesh or surgery you had.
  3. Ask for referral to a urogynecologist or pelvic floor specialist experienced in mesh complications if needed.

Talking With Your Doctor About Mesh Problems

It can be difficult to talk about pelvic pain, incontinence, or sexual discomfort, especially in a smaller community. However, many women in Grand Rapids and across Michigan face similar issues, and local providers are familiar with them.

You might ask your doctor:

  • If I have mesh complications, are you experienced in treating them?
  • If not, can you refer me to a specialist in Grand Rapids or West Michigan who is?
  • Can the type of mesh I have be partially or fully removed?
  • What are the risks of mesh removal surgery?
  • Will my symptoms likely improve if the mesh is removed or revised?
  • What are my non-surgical options to manage symptoms?

Non‑Surgical Alternatives in Grand Rapids

Many women can avoid or delay surgery with non-surgical treatments, especially when started early. These options are widely available in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on strengthening and coordinating the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and bowel.

Treatments may include:

  • Targeted pelvic floor exercises (similar to Kegels but more specific)
  • Biofeedback to help you see how your muscles are working
  • Electrical stimulation to improve muscle strength and function
  • Education on posture, breathing, and everyday habits that affect the pelvic floor

Look for a pelvic floor physical therapist in Grand Rapids, often available through:

  • Corewell Health rehabilitation and women’s health programs
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids physical therapy services
  • Independent pelvic health PT clinics in Kent County

Vaginal Pessary

A vaginal pessary is a soft, ring-like or cube-shaped device placed in the vagina to support pelvic organs and reduce prolapse symptoms or stress urinary incontinence.

  • Fitted by a gynecologist, urogynecologist, or trained nurse practitioner
  • Can significantly improve pressure, bulging, and bladder/bowel symptoms
  • Especially helpful for women who want to avoid surgery or are not good surgical candidates (for example, older adults or those with chronic health conditions common in Michigan, such as heart disease or diabetes)

Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle adjustments can reduce symptoms and prevent worsening prolapse, which is especially important in Michigan’s climate where winter inactivity and weight gain can be common:

  • Weight management – Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the pelvic floor
  • Avoid heavy lifting – At work, home, or during winter snow shoveling
  • Treat chronic cough – Common in smokers and during cold, dry Michigan winters; seek treatment for asthma, allergies, or lung disease
  • Manage constipation – High-fiber diet, adequate fluids, and regular activity help reduce straining

Absorbent Products

For some women, absorbent pads, underwear, or other continence products can help manage leakage, either temporarily or long term. These are available at pharmacies and medical supply stores across Grand Rapids.

Surgical Alternatives to Transvaginal Mesh

If non-surgical treatments are not enough, there are surgical options that do not use transvaginal mesh. These are offered by many pelvic floor surgeons in Grand Rapids.

Native Tissue Repair

  • Uses your own tissue (not synthetic mesh) to support the prolapsed organ
  • Commonly used for prolapse of the bladder, uterus, or rectum
  • May be done vaginally, laparoscopically, or robotically depending on the surgeon and your situation

Pubovaginal Sling (Using Your Own Tissue)

  • A sling made from your own tissue is placed under the urethra to treat stress urinary incontinence
  • Does not use synthetic mesh
  • May be considered for women who do not want or cannot tolerate synthetic materials

Colposuspension

  • A surgical procedure to support the urethra and bladder neck
  • Can be done through an open abdominal incision or laparoscopically/robotically
  • Often performed by urogynecologists or urologists with specialized training

Bulking Agents

  • A material is injected into the urethra to help it close more effectively
  • Usually an outpatient procedure
  • Can help some women with stress urinary incontinence, particularly those who prefer a less invasive approach

Your surgeon in Grand Rapids can explain which of these options may be right for you, based on your age, health, type of prolapse or incontinence, and personal preferences.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids and Michigan

Medical and Specialist Care

You can seek evaluation and treatment for prolapse, incontinence, or mesh-related problems at:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
    • Women’s Health and Urogynecology services
    • Pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • OB/GYN and urogynecology specialists
    • Pelvic health and incontinence programs
  • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
    • Urology and urogynecology services
  • Mercy Health locations in West Michigan
    • Women’s health and urology

Ask your primary care provider or OB/GYN for a referral to a urogynecologist or female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) specialist.

Public Health and Consumer Support

  • Kent County Health Department (Grand Rapids)
    • Provides information on women’s health, chronic disease management, and local resources
    • Website: search “Kent County Health Department women’s health”
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and local clinics
    • Community health centers may offer low-cost gynecologic and pelvic health services

If you believe you have experienced a serious complication related to a medical device (including mesh), you can:

  • Discuss it with your healthcare provider
  • Report it through the FDA’s MedWatch program (search “FDA MedWatch report a problem”)

Your Rights as a Patient in Michigan

In Michigan, you have the right to:

  • Receive safe, high-quality healthcare
  • Be fully informed about your treatment options, including risks and benefits
  • Ask questions and receive understandable answers
  • Seek a second opinion
  • Access your medical records (you can request them directly from your provider; if you have difficulty, you may explore options through Michigan’s Freedom of Information laws for public institutions)

If you have concerns or wish to file a complaint about a healthcare service in Michigan, you can contact:

  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or
  • The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for provider or facility complaints

Search for “Michigan health care complaint LARA” or “MDHHS patient complaint” for current contact details.

When to Seek Help in Grand Rapids

You should seek medical help promptly if you:

  • Have had a prolapse or incontinence surgery and now have new or worsening pelvic pain
  • Notice bleeding, discharge, or a foreign-body sensation in the vagina
  • Have pain during sex or your partner feels something sharp in the vagina
  • Develop new bladder or bowel problems after surgery
  • Feel a bulge or pressure in the vagina that is getting worse

In an emergency—such as severe pain, fever, inability to urinate, or heavy bleeding—go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids (for example, at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or UM Health–West) or call 911.

Understanding transvaginal mesh and its alternatives is especially important for women in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, where cold winters, reduced activity, and chronic health conditions can contribute to pelvic floor problems. By working with local specialists, asking informed questions, and exploring non-surgical and surgical options, you can make the choice that is safest and most appropriate for your health and lifestyle.