As a mum of two, broadcaster and DJ Ashley James often shares the highs of motherhood with her social media followers, but that doesn’t mean she shies away from tougher topics.
Now, Ashley – who has son Alfie, three, and daughter Ada, one, with her partner Tommy Andrews – has teamed up with wellness brand Naydaya for its End the Dry Spell campaign to get women talking about intimate dryness.
Research by the brand shows that 82% of women have experienced intimate dryness, which can occur during postnatal recovery, with almost half admitting that they were too embarrassed to ask for help.
“The more I’ve started talking about intimate health online, the more women are reaching out and opening up to me. Some of these women have been living with issues for over a decade, because they weren’t confident enough to seek help or they don’t know that there is help out there,” Ashley tells us.
“That’s why I push past the discomfort and shout really loudly about these things, because until we break the stigma, people won’t have the confidence to ask for help.”
Here, the star talks about why it’s high time to end this taboo and start making women’s health a priority.
Ashley, can you tell us a bit more about the End the Dry Spell campaign?
“The myth is that dryness only happens to older women, but that’s just not the case. For me, it was a postpartum side-effect.
“I feel as though women’s health issues are so deeply entrenched in stigma and taboo. I’ve had two babies and people still refer to genitals as ‘down there’, as if they don’t even want to say ‘vulva’. How are we meant to fix things if we can’t even talk about them?
“There were lots of aspects of my post-natal recovery, whether it was prolapse, a pile or intimate dryness, that made me feel really angry and frustrated. Why should I be embarrassed because it makes people feel uncomfortable?”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 07, 2024-Ausgabe von HELLO! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 07, 2024-Ausgabe von HELLO! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
AS SHE SIGNS UP FOR SECOND SERIES OF 'RIVALS' THE TIME OF HER LIFE VICTORIA SMURFIT ON HER DREAM ROLE, HER INSPIRING KIDS AND TRUE LOVE AT 50
Dancing around the studio to the 1980s soundtrack that's providing the background music for this exclusive HELLO! photoshoot, Victoria Smurfit looks to be having the time of her life.
AFTER CELEBRATING THE REOPENING OF NOTRE-DAME STEPPING ON TO THE WORLD STAGE THE PRINCE OF WALES WINS PRAISE FROM PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP IN PARIS
Proving his mettle as a global figure, the Prince of Wales met US President-elect Donald Trump on a visit to Paris last week.
Young at heart
The Duke of Sussex embraced turning 40 as he and Meghan focused on doing good
'OPPENHEIMER' STAR EMILY BLUNT KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY THE ACTRESS ON WORKING WITH HUSBAND JOHN KRASINSKI AND WHY THEIR KIDS WON'T WATCH HER FILMS
Emily Blunt may be an A-list actress to the rest of the world, but at home with her two young daughters, she's just mum.
MARKING FOUR DECADES OF THE FESTIVE HIT SINGLE LIFE AFTER 'LAST CHRISTMAS' ANDREW RIDGELEY OPENS UP ABOUT GEORGE MICHAEL
With its familiar refrain and heartfelt vocals, Last Christmas by Wham! is as synonymous with the festive season as turkey and mince pies. The song has just turned 40, and to mark the occasion, the band's Andrew Ridgeley is starring in a BBC documentary about the classic tune.
Leading the way
The Prince of Wales has stepped up to the plate amid a year of serious challenges for his family
Pillar of strength
The Queen has been a constant support for her beloved husband throughout a tough year
Welcome return
Royal fans were thrilled to see Kate, elegant as ever, back in the spotlight alongside her family
Her greatest challenge
The Princess of Wales faced her most difficult year with stoicism and consideration for her young family
Bouncing back
Treatment for cancer couldn't keep the King down, as he greeted royal fans from Ascot to Australia