From Dailymail · · 1m 30s
The reality of life after a prolapse: No one talks about them
After doctors failed to stitch her post-traumatic birth injury, Ashley James shares hope for women with pelvic organ prolapse.
In brief
After doctors failed to stitch her post-traumatic birth injury, Ashley James shares hope for women with pelvic organ prolapse. Ashley James, who had a third-degree perineal tear during childbirth, now wears Tena pads and advocates for better postnatal care for women with pelvic organ prolapse. Originally reported by…
My birth injury
After doctors failed to stitch me up following a traumatic birth to my 9lb 8oz baby, I'm here to tell you there IS hope.
My Paris incident
I told my partner Tommy I needed Tena pads for Celine Dion but he brought back huge pants instead.
Instagram reaction
My photo with giant Tena pants got 65,000 likes and hundreds of comments.
The problem
One in three women experience urinary leakage three months postpartum, one in seven have faecal incontinence six months later.
My diagnosis
I was diagnosed with rectocele, a form of pelvic organ prolapse I thought only elderly women get.
The tear
I had a third-degree perineal tear during childbirth, which doctors didn't stitch properly.
My treatment
I need colorectal surgery to fix the tear but am using Tena pads to manage incontinence.
The impact
My body went from being fit and strong to feeling untrustworthy, causing pain and sexual issues.
The recovery
My pelvic health physio diagnosed me with vaginismus, a trauma response from childbirth.
The solution
I'm pushing for better awareness and postnatal care for women with pelvic organ prolapse.
The main idea
Ashley James, who had a third-degree perineal tear during childbirth, now wears Tena pads and advocates for better postnatal care for women with pelvic organ prolapse.
