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Mesh in female pelvic reconstructive surgery

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The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues. It forms a "hammock" across the bottom of the pelvis. The pelvic floor holds key organs in place. These include the rectum, bladder, vagina, cervix and uterus. A strong pelvic floor helps these organs work well.

If you have a pelvic organ prolapse, certain muscles or other tissues in your pelvis become weak or injured. Pelvic organ prolapse can lead to symptoms that bother you, such as:

  • Leaking urine by accident.
  • Not being able to control bowel movements.
  • Feeling pressure in your pelvis.
  • Sexual problems.
  • Pain or aches when you do something active.

Treatment can help if you have symptoms that limit what you can do. Surgery is one treatment choice for pelvic organ prolapse. And sometimes surgery involves a material called mesh.

You may have heard about reports of problems that can stem from treatments that use mesh. Learn how surgical mesh is used, the possible problems after surgery and what to watch for.