Caroline McShane, a 49-year-old woman from Gloucestershire, is sharing her story to raise awareness about the lack of medical care she received for a pelvic floor issue after giving birth to her second daughter at the age of 35. McShane did not receive the help she needed and as a result, she required surgery after reaching menopause. She hopes that by sharing her experience, other women will be informed and receive the care they need.
After giving birth to her daughter in 2010, McShane began experiencing discomfort and a bulging feeling in her vagina whenever she was physically active. Despite seeking medical advice, she was told that her symptoms were normal and something she would have to live with. It was not until she approached menopause that her symptoms worsened, and she noticed her insides protruding from her vagina. She also experienced urine leakage.
McShane sought help from her GP, but was again advised to do pelvic floor exercises. However, these exercises had little effect on her severe prolapse. Finally, she sought the help of a private women’s health physiotherapist who referred her to a specialist gynaecologist. At the age of 48, McShane was informed that the damage to her pelvic floor had not been properly treated or managed, and she would require major surgery, including a full hysterectomy.
The surgery, which took place in March of this year, was intense and McShane experienced pain during the recovery period. However, after six months, she felt fully back to normal and able to resume physical activities and her sex life.
McShane believes that if she had been given better advice and care earlier on, she may have been able to prevent the need for surgery. She emphasizes the importance of pelvic floor exercises and hopes that by sharing her story, other women will be more informed about their own health and seek appropriate care.
