Urinary incontinence, while not life-threatening, can be an embarrassing and inconvenient condition.
And according to the Mayo Clinic, it also comes with a number of complications. Fortunately, the condition is treatable. Although some treatments carry problems of their own.
Transvaginal mesh implants, for example, are marketed for treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. But the devices have prompted thousands of lawsuits due to their tendency to fail and cause health problems. The most common reported problem is the vaginal mesh eroding and sticking through the walls of the bladder and vagina, causing severe pain.
The Mayo Clinic lists the following as possible complications of urinary incontinence:
Skin problems — The condition can lead to rashes, skin infections and sores from constantly wet skin.
Urinary tract infections — Repeated infections can result from incontinence.
Changes in activities — People with the condition may stop exercising, attending social gatherings or even venturing away from familiar areas where they know the locations of toilets.
Changes in work life — The condition can negatively affect your work life because the urge to urinate may oblige patients to get up often during meetings, disrupt their concentration at work or cause fatigue by keeping them awake at night.
Changes in personal life — It’s not uncommon for patients to experience anxiety and depression along with incontinence. Family may not understand the patient’s behavior or may grow frustrated at the many trips to the toilet. Patients may also avoid sexual intimacy because of embarrassment caused by urine leakage.
If you have a vaginal mesh implant, you should consult with a doctor if you have any ongoing symptoms or health concerns. If you have significant injuries, you should also consult with a mesh lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
See more information about urinary incontinence here:
https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-incontinence/DS00404
