‘I can’t have sex after most of my vagina was removed’
New UK|August 29, 2022
Natasha Owens, 46, from the Wirral hasn't made love with her husband Damian, 51, for 15 years after having an operation to remove most of her vagina. But she says their love is stronger than ever
ANN CUSACK
‘I can’t have sex after most of my vagina was removed’

People always say that a strong couple needs sex to cement their relationship. I might have agreed 20 years ago. But it’s now 15 years since I made love with my husband, and we’re still very much going strong. We miss it sometimes, but we remain loving, close, passionate and committed.

In fact, despite the knowledge that Damian and I can never have sex again, I would say it’s actually brought us closer together emotionally. The bond we share is deeper than ever. It doesn’t matter to him or me the physical aspect of our marriage. We just find other ways to be intimate and to express our love.

Damian understands that it’s not that I don’t want him. I’ve got used to living without a vagina and I won’t let it define me. I think that I’m more upset than he is about it. At some point, I may need a catheter instead of having more surgery. But whatever happens, we will tackle it head on – together.

It was in my teens when my problems first began. I was 14 when I started experiencing hot flushes. While the rest of my school friends were getting periods and buying bras, I was sitting in class mopping my forehead with my sleeve, having awful headaches and feeling anxious and jittery.

I was tiny and thin, with no sign of any curves at all. I waited each month, praying for my period. What was wrong with me?

“You must be some sort of freak,” I told myself. “You’ll never be a real woman.”

I would later discover that the symptoms I was experiencing was actually the early menopause.

My mum, Rose, bought me sanitary towels every month and I’d stuff them, unused, into the outside bin when she wasn’t looking.

Denne historien er fra August 29, 2022-utgaven av New UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 29, 2022-utgaven av New UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NEW UKSe alt
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
New UK

TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT

Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
New UK

Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex

Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'The win changed our lives for the better'
New UK

'The win changed our lives for the better'

While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Struggling in silence
New UK

Struggling in silence

With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise

time-read
2 mins  |
November 18, 2024
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
New UK

"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"

MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
New UK

'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'

Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
New UK

'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life

This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
New UK

Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch

Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
New UK

Meghan fears Harry having to exit US

The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
New UK

'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'

Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024