Childbirth: Mum left feeling dirty by incontinence injuries

"It's isolating, debilitating and you feel dirty."

Too many women have to cope with bowel incontinence from injuries during childbirth, according to one charity.

Anna Clements, from Masic, said stigma and a lack of information meant women were unaware of the medical support available.

The Welsh government said a plan would be published in the summer on how health boards should provide "high-quality women's health services".

A coalition of charities said this was one of a number of ways women experience poor health outcomes.

Women need to be listened to and not just dismissed and told 'this happens with birth - just get on with it'," added Ms Clements.

Masic supports women who have experienced anal sphincter injuries - an issue which carries so much stigma that few will speak to anyone about their symptoms.

Julie Cornish, a colorectal surgeon, was instrumental in setting up a hub which helps patients with pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence and bowel dysfunction.

"These are really common conditions - they mainly affect women, but can affect men as well," she said.

Clinics for things such as bowel, bladder or gynaecological issues are held simultaneously in the hub, based at Barry Hospital, Vale of Glamorgan. This means patients can get immediate advice from different specialists without joining separate waiting lists which cuts waiting times significantly.

Ms Cornish acknowledged the numbers currently seeking help were "the tip of the iceberg" because of the stigma.

Read full story

Source: BBC News, 28 May 2022