Fistula is a condition mostly caused by childbirth complications and an estimate of 1 million women live with untreated Fistula in Nigeria alone according to the WHO so what is Fistula? Is Fistula only seen in the Northern part of Nigeria?

These questions are common and the notion of associating this condition or problem with the North is due to lack of awareness.

Researchers have proven that it is spread across the Nation and its going to be an epidermic if there is no immediate attention!

Please read more after the cut

WHAT IS FISTULA?

Fistula is a hole, or abnormal opening, in the birth canal, that results in chronic leakage of urine and/or faeces.

There are three types of Fistula:

Obstetric Fistula

Obstetric fistula due to obstructed labor is by far the most common form of genital fistula.

Obstetric fistula is usually caused by several days of obstructed labor, without timely medical intervention or cesarean section. During this time, the soft tissues of the pelvis are compressed between the baby's head and the mother's pelvic bones. The lack of blood flow causes tissue to die, creating a hole between the mother's vagina and bladder or between the vagina and rectum, or both, and resulting in leakage.

Left with chronic leaking, women with obstetric fistula are often abandoned or neglected by their husbands and families, unable to work, and ostracized by their communities. Women who develop obstetric fistula usually have had a stillbirth, so they must also deal with the loss of a baby. Women with fistula are often among the most impoverished and vulnerable members of society.

Latrogenic Fistula

Sometimes genital fistula can be caused unintentionally by a health care provider. This type of injury is called Latrogenic fistula. For instance, during a cesarean section, it is possible that the bladder is accidentally cut, resulting in a hole or abnormal opening through which urine leaks.

Latrogenic fistula can also occur by accident during surgeries unrelated to childbirth.

Traumatic Gynecologic Fistula Resulting from Sexual

Violence

Traumatic fistula is a condition that can occur as the result of sexual violence such as Rape.

Rape, often aggravated by the thrusting of objects into the vagina, can result in a hole between a woman’s vagina and bladder or rectum, or both, resulting in the leaking of urine and/or feces. Survivors of sexual assault may have additional, severe physical injuries and are at an increased risk for unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Survivors live not only with chronic incontinence, but also with the psychological trauma and stigma of rape.

WHERE CAN I GET HELP AND MORE AWARENESS

National Fistula Center, Ebonyi State

Ogoja General Hospital, Cross River State

Babbar Ruga Hospital, Katsina State

Birnin Kebbi Specialist Fistula Center, Kebbi State

Faridat Yakubu General Hospital, Zamfara State

Laure Fistula Center at Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano State

Sobi Specialist Hospital, Kwara State

University College Hospital at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State

Lets spread the word!!

SOURCE - http://www.fistulacare.org