"OBSTETRIC FISTULA"

What is Obstetric Fistula?

This is an abnormal opening or hole between a woman's genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum that is caused by prolonged obstructed labor, leaving a woman incontinent of urine or feces or both. Obstetric cases in the world as reported by the WHO (World Health Organisation) are estimated to be between 50,000 to 100,000 in an year.

How does it actually happen?

Obstetric Fistula most commonly occurs to women who live in low-resource countries, who give birth without access to medical help. If a woman's labor becomes obstructed, she could remain in excruciating pain for days before her baby is finally dislodged. Her baby likely dies and she is often left with an obstetric fistula, a small hole created by constant pressure from fetus, which renders her incontinent. 

In other cases Obstetric Fistula can be caused include injury during childbirth, cancer, radiation therapy and surgical complications.

Women who experience Obstetric  Fistula suffer constant incontinence, skin infections, kidney disorders, shame, social segregation, health problems which might include: depending on the size and location of the fistula, a foul-smelling vaginal discharge or passage of stool from the vagina.  Some such fistulas may close on their own, but most need to be repaired surgically.

The condition is rather preventable. 

How can a woman prevent herself from getting Obstetric Fistula? It can largely be avoided by:

• Delaying the age of first pregnancy
• The cessation of harmful tradition practices 
• Timely access to obstetric care.
• Appropriate use of cesarean section may be used as a preventive measure as well.

WHO (World Health Organisation) is working towards:

• Finding ways to improve quality access care to these women. The Organisation is working towards providing services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Providing quality care for every pregnant woman and newborn. WHO is working to ensure maternal health is taken care of regardless of the socioeconomic status and bringing an end to maternal and newborn deaths and reducing inequities.

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