Obstetric Fistula Health Outcomes and Management
Summary
Obstetric fistula remains a profound public health challenge in many low-resource settings, arising chiefly from prolonged, obstructed labour without timely access to emergency obstetric care. The condition manifests as an abnormal communication between the vagina and the bladder or rectum, leading to continuous urinary or faecal leakage. Beyond the immediate physical morbidity, affected women often endure chronic infections, social stigma, economic marginalisation and severe psychological distress. Surgical repair is the mainstay of management, yet success rates vary according to fistula complexity, surgeon experience and the availability of specialised centres. Even after successful closure, many women face persistent urinary incontinence, concerns over future fertility and barriers to social reintegration. Preventive strategies—such as strengthening referral systems, improving the quality of intrapartum care and community education—are essential to reduce incidence, while comprehensive post-operative support, including counselling and livelihood training, underpins long-term recovery and quality of life.
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Obstetric Fistula Health Outcomes and Management publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in obstetric fistula health outcomes and management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Obstetric fistula: An abnormal tract between the genital and urinary or gastrointestinal tract caused by obstetric trauma.
Vesicovaginal fistula: A specific form of fistula connecting the bladder and the vagina, resulting in continuous urinary leakage.
Rectovaginal fistula: An abnormal passage between the rectum and the vagina, leading to faecal incontinence and odour.
Urinary incontinence: The involuntary leakage of urine, often persisting after fistula repair and affecting quality of life.
References
- Barriers and facilitators for treatment-seeking among women with genital fistula: a facility-based qualitative study in Bangladesh. Tropical Medicine and Health (2025).
- Factors associated with obstetric fistula among reproductive age women in Ethiopia: a community based case control study. Reproductive Health (2023).
- A review of surgical procedures to repair obstetric fistula. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics (2020).
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