# 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.
- Title: The reality of life after a prolapse: No one talks about them
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: ashley james, pelvic organ prolapse, third-degree perineal tear, incontinence, postnatal care, tena pads, birth injury, rectocele, vaginismus, pelvic health physio, news, entertainment
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/lifestyle/fitness-wellbeing/article-16226221/The-reality-life-prolapse-No-one-talks-doctors-failed-stitch-following-traumatic-birth-9lb-8oz-baby-Im-tell-you-hope-ASHLEY-JAMES.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-22T02:49:25+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ashley james, pelvic organ prolapse, third-degree perineal tear, incontinence, postnatal care, tena pads, birth injury, rectocele, vaginismus, pelvic health physio, news, entertainment
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.