Mesh only used as a ‘last resort’ on women

Vaginal mesh should only be offered to women who have explored all other possible options, health officials have said.

A new draft guideline from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) states those who suffer from stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse should be offered a full range of non-surgical options before an operation is considered.

The mesh scandal has seen thousands of women complain of being left in constant pain after having the implants, which have been offered to treat pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence after childbirth.

The use of transvaginal mesh implants was immediately halted in NHS Scotland last month.

Nice has issued its latest draft guideline on the management of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women, with formal guidance expected in April next year.

The draft document states women should try a range of techniques before mesh is even considered.

The non-surgical options for urinary incontinence include lifestyle interventions such as caffeine reduction and weight loss, and physical therapies such as pelvic floor muscle training.