The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its guidance on the use of pelvic mesh implants, which are sometimes used to treat adult incontinence.

Surgical mesh is used to repair weakened or damaged tissue and can be implanted to support the urethra in people with stress urinary incontinence, in which urine leaks during coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise.

The technique can also be used to reinforce the vaginal wall in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

According to the FDA, complications associated with the procedure are "an area of continuing serious concern".

In its latest update, the regulator claims that complications are "not rare" and that "it is not clear that transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse repair with mesh is more effective than traditional non-mesh repair".

The most common complication is erosion of the mesh, which may require surgery to correct, while the FDA has also identified shrinkage as an additional risk.

Women who are considering a pelvic mesh implant are advised to discuss all treatment options with their surgeon and bear in mind the risk of complications when making a decision.

Research suggests that around half of women who have had children experience some degree of pelvic organ prolapse, while up to 40 per cent of women experience female incontinence.