Home >> Health >> Reproductive Health >> Pregnancy and Birth >> Complications >> Obstetric Fistula




Obstetrical fistula is the severe medical problem where a fistula (hole) develops between either the rectum and vagina (see rectovaginal fistula) or between a bladder and vagina (see vesicovaginal fistula) after severe or even failing childbirth, when adequate medical care is non available.

a fistula normally develops whilst a prolonged labor presses the unborn toddler then tightly in the birth canal that blood flow is cut off to the encompassing tissues, which die & one of these days decompose away. Thomas more seldom, a injury may be from either female circumcision, poorly performed abortions, or pelvic fractures.

A ensuant disorders usually include incontinence, infertility, severe infections and ulcerations of the vaginal tract, and typically paralysis caused by nerve damage. Sufferers from either this disorder come ordinarily too subject to severe social stigma due to odor, perceptions of uncleanliness, a mistaken assumption of venereal disease, and a inability to use at times tikes.

Primary chance factors come early &/or closely-spaced gestation, and unfortunate medical care; the 1993 study in Nigeria found that 55 percent of the victims were under Xix years aged, & 94 percent gave birth home or even around badly equipped local clinics. Whilst available in the least, cesarean sections and other medical interventions come ordinarily non performed until fallowing tissue damage has already been done.

Based on data from a UN, inside 2002 all over 100,000 women were at risk of obstetrical fistula both month, & over Two million women use already been wounded & stigmatized.

NYTimes.com - Alone and Ashamed
Obstetric fistulas are quite common in Africa. Here is a description of the problem, its prevalence, and what some people are doing about it.

The Worldwide Fund for Mothers Injured in Childbirth
Founded out of concern for the many thousands of women in the developing world who suffer from injuries or death related to labor and delivery. Provides or supports education, advocacy, awareness, medical care, and research. Has a number of articles about the problem in pdf format.

The Trauma of Childbirth
Website to accompany a radio story (available in Realaudio format) by Radio Netherlands about obstetric fistulas and their treatment in Nigeria. Includes details about the history of this complication and the money and resources needed to adequately treat it across Africa.

NYTimes.com - Scholars Argue Over Legacy of Surgeon Who Was Lionized, Then Vilified
J. Marion Sims, called by some the "Father of Gynecology" perfected his technique of repairing fistulas on American slave women in the 1840s. This story is about his efforts and how he's viewed by historians. [Requires free nytimes.com registration to view.]

Rectovaginal Fistula Information
Basic information about a rare but serious complication of child birth. Includes description, cause, symptoms, repair options, advice, research links and support.

Love, Labor, Loss - A Documentary Film
Companion site to a documentary film spotlighting women in Niger, West Africa suffering from obstetric fistula. Copies available for a fee for community based screenings and fundraisers.

UNFPA.org - Campaign to End Fistula
UN agency defines the problem and how it intends to address it.

The Fistula Foundation
Offering treatment and prevention through support of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, as well as programs across the country. Includes details of the hospital, and information about the fundraising and educational work of the organization.


Health: Conditions and Diseases: Digestive Disorders: Anorectal: Imperforate Anus
Health: Conditions and Diseases: Genitourinary Disorders: Bladder: Incontinence
Health: Reproductive Health: Pregnancy and Birth: Childbirth: Episiotomy
Health: Women's Health
Society: People: Women: Issues: Health




© 2005 GeneralAnswers.org