Obstetric fistula

19 February 2018

Each year between 50 000 to 100 000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula, an abnormal opening between a woman’s genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum. The development of obstetric fistula is directly linked to one of the major causes of maternal mortality: obstructed labour.

Women who experience obstetric fistula suffer constant incontinence, shame, social segregation and health problems. It is estimated that more than 2 million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Obstetric fistula is preventable; it can largely be avoided by:

delaying the age of first pregnancy;
the cessation of harmful traditional practices; and
timely access to obstetric care.

Preventing and managing obstetric fistula contribute to the Sustainable Development Goal 3 of improving maternal health.

UNFPA

Obstructed labour accounts for up to 6% of all maternal deaths

It is a cause of maternal mortality and morbidity.

AuAid/K. Holt

Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal caused by obstructed labour

It is estimated that more than 2 million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

WHO/S. Saporito

Obstetric fistula affects hundreds of thousands of women

Each year, between 50 000 to 100 000 women worldwide develop obstetric fistula.

WHO/P. Virot

Obstetric fistula leads to physical and mental suffering

Women who experience this preventable condition suffer constant urinary incontinence which often leads to social isolation, skin infections, kidney disorders and even death if left untreated.

WHO/N. Garnage

Obstetric fistula can be prevented

Obstetric fistulae can largely be avoided by delaying the age of first pregnancy, by the cessation of harmful traditional practices and by timely access to quality obstetric care.

WHO/I. Ferdous

Obstetric fistula is observed mostly in certain conditions

Most fistulae occur among women living in poverty in cultures where a woman’s status and self-esteem may depend almost entirely on her marriage and ability to bear children.

WHO/P. Bagla

A holistic approach can help address the condition

Obstetric fistula still exists because health care systems fail to provide accessible, quality maternal health care, including family planning, skilled care at birth, basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care, and affordable treatment of fistula.

WUSTL/A. Heller

Training is critical

Health professionals in afflicted countries are continuously being trained in preventing and managing obstetric fistula.

WHO/P. Bagla

Surgical intervention can help in some cases

Patients with uncomplicated fistulae can undergo a simple surgery to repair the hole in their bladder or rectum. Approximately 80-95% of vaginal fistula can be closed surgically.

UNFPA

Remedying obstetric fistula works towards the SDGs

Preventing and managing obstetric fistula will contribute to improved maternal health and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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