For anyone wishing to understand what is a transvaginal mesh implant, the simple answer is that it's a device that is mostly used for gynecological purposes these days. In the past, it had been used for repairing hernias, but has lately found use as a relief from pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

The item, used to support organs around the pelvis, usually comes in a mesh shape. It's made of woven fabric that's strong enough to hold some of the major organs of a woman in place, organs such as the bowel, the urethra, the bladder and the top of a woman's vagina.

As females age, they do get more susceptible to gynecological problems. This is especially the case after the menopause, when the area around their vaginal muscles weakens. It can weaken for the following reasons: multiple childbirths, old age, and hysterectomies. Whatever the cause, certain vital organs can slip through and protrude the vagina when the muscles weaken.

Oftentimes, the device is made from a multiple of different materials. These include things such as human tissue, animal tissue, polyester, and polypropylene. Polypropylene is used to make all sorts of things, such as packaging, plastics, and stationery. In general though, it's polypropylene that's used the most in the devices.

These devices come in a number of categories, as they have to be differentiated not only by the materials they are made from, but by the surgical procedure used to actually place them inside the body. Safety of the devices, as well as their classification and approval, is dealt with the the Food and Drug Administration.

To use the mini-sling implant the doctor makes just one vaginal incision, and then place a metal inserter inside the patient so they can align the mesh near the center of the urethra. By only making one incision the surgery cuts down recovery time as well as the likelihood that the patient's other organs will be accidentally sliced during the operation.

A tension-free sling requires the operating surgeon to administer several cuts to the body. Two are made to he patient's abdomen and another to her vagina. Though tension-free slings are still in use, surgeons do not appear to be using them as often as transobturator tape, a sling that apparently allows for more accurate insertions into the body.

So for anyone wondering what is a transvaginal mesh implant, the answer is a device to support the organs. The usage of these has not been without some controversy because some report problems and side effects, which can happen with any surgical technique. Some of the side effects are reportedly pain, bleeding and infection, which are byproducts of what's called mesh erosion.