--- title: The science behind the pain description: The Science behind the pain image: https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/hubfs/pexels-cottonbro-6542718.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/the-science-behind-the-pain#main-content) [![Picture1-1](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture1-1.png?width=145&height=121&name=Picture1-1.png "Picture1-1")](https://www.rhlawyers.co.za) [![RSIA-LH-CorpID-190511](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/RSIA-LH-CorpID-190511.jpg?width=1104&height=121&name=RSIA-LH-CorpID-190511.jpg "RSIA-LH-CorpID-190511")](https://rsinc.co.za/) # The science behind the pain [RH Lawyers](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/author/rh-lawyers) May 28, 2025 9:55:29 AM **What is Pelvic Mesh?** A pelvic mesh implant (“**mesh**”) is a medical device that is typically a sheet of woven or net-like material which is implanted into the human body to provide support to weakened or damaged tissue, particularly, to treat conditions such as Pelvic Organ Prolapse (“**POP**”) and Stress Urinary Incontinence (“**SUI**”). Commonly, mesh is made from a thermoplastic polymer known as polypropylene. ![](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/hubfs/pexels-cottonbro-6542718.jpg) **How does polypropylene interact with the human body?** The use of polypropylene mesh has led to many complications in patients, which stem from the fact that mesh made of this material is susceptible to partially or completely degrading in the body overtime. Scientific research has confirmed that a foreign body reaction to polypropylene implanted *in-vivo* (in the body), has been observed to result in a oxidation reaction of the material and polymer chain modifications. In other words, polypropylene is not inert when implanted into the body and is susceptible to alterations in its mechanical and surface properties after implantation. The persistent foreign body reaction leads to shrinkage and wrinkling as well as cracking and flaking of the mesh – this then causes injury as the mesh cuts the human tissue it is surrounded by.   **What are common complications?** Common complications include, but are not limited to, chronic pain, chronic inflammation, infections including urinary tract infections (UTI’s), tissue damage, mesh exposure and migration, abscesses and sepsis, and discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).   **What to do if you have suffered harm due to the Pelvic Mesh?** If you, or someone you know has suffered harm due to receiving a pelvic mesh implant, contact LHL Attorneys by visiting [www.meshclassaction.co.za](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za) or via the methods listed below:   Email: [info@rhlawyers.co.za](mailto:info@rhlawyers.co.za); Call:       087 188 2698 or; WhatsApp: 062 973 9224.   [Pelvic Mesh](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/tag/pelvic-mesh) [Pelvic Organ Prolapse](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/tag/pelvic-organ-prolapse) [Prolapse](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/tag/prolapse) [polypropylene](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/tag/polypropylene) [Transvaginal Mesh](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/tag/transvaginal-mesh) ## Leave a Comment ## Related Posts ### [Aug 1, 2024 12:50:22 PM Understanding Polypropylene: Why Is It Unsuitable for Long-Term Implantation](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/understanding-polypropylene-why-is-it-unsuitable-for-long-term-implantation) ### [Nov 21, 2024 11:07:55 AM Global Perspectives: Mesh Litigation in Other Countries.](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/global-perspectives-mesh-litigation-in-other-countries) ### [Sep 11, 2024 5:55:46 PM The Process of Joining our Pelvic Mesh Class Action in South Africa](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/the-process-of-joining-our-pelvic-mesh-class-action-in-south-africa) ![Screenshot 2022-02-15 211908](https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/hubfs/Screenshot%202022-02-15%20211908.jpg) RH Lawyers Incorporated  21 West Street, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198 Tel: 087 188 2698 Email: mesh1@rhlawyers.co.za RH Lawyers © 2026 All rights reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://rhlawyerscoza-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/dean_rhlawyers_co_za/ESBHMQ10aL5JiSXZ4DjP6I4BTaLAF9nycFC99EDMrznL7g?e=xj0Xm7) | [Terms of Use](https://rhlawyerscoza-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/dean_rhlawyers_co_za/EaeR_XrDVQ1EhTz7HB4TkxsBVJzFKZYxqREabWlZwGqNUw?e=rbPQVw)| Developed by [GiantFocal](https://www.giantfocal.com) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "RH Lawyers", "url" : "https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/author/rh-lawyers" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-28T07:55:29.878Z", "datePublished" : "2025-05-28T07:55:29.000Z", "headline" : "The science behind the pain", "image" : [ "https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/hubfs/pexels-cottonbro-6542718.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.meshclassaction.co.za/library/the-science-behind-the-pain", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "RH Lawyers Incorporated " } } ```