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Urogynecologists are doctors who complete medical school and residency either in Obstetrics and Gynecology or Urology. They then receive specialty training to be certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.
The American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) has nearly 2,000 members, physicians, and support personnel who specialize in female pelvic health. Dr. Donald Ostergard was one of society’s founders. In 1979, members felt there needed to be more information and investigation on the issue of female incontinence.
Supported by both members and the pharmaceutical industry, the society was quick to adopt the use of polypropylene mesh as a treatment for both incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (POP), even calling it the Gold Standard treatment.
On April 16, 2019, in an unusually bold step, the FDA ordered the larger pelvic organ prolapse or POP pelvic meshes removed from the market, because they were not proven to be safe and effective. AUGS had supported their use as well.
Dr. Ostergard has never used polypropylene mesh as a treatment for incontinence or prolapse other than to try it when it first came on the market.
Listen to Dr. Donald Ostergard’s podcast just uploaded to Mesh News Desk. We could not discuss mesh litigation because he is an expert in the cases, but for someone newly diagnosed, Dr. Ostergard brings five decades of expertise to your questions.
