Medical Conditions

Obstetric fistula is a serious childbirth injury that creates a hole in the vagina, often causing uncontrollable leakage of urine or stool. Beyond the physical effects, it can lead to depression, infertility, and social isolation. Early treatment is crucial to restoring health and dignity.

Obstetric fistula is primarily caused by prolonged, untreated labor, which puts pressure on vaginal tissues and reduces blood flow, leading to tissue damage. Key risk factors include:

• Limited access to quality medical care
• Delayed or unavailable cesarean sections
• Malnutrition
• Teenage pregnancy

Awareness of these risk factors is essential for prevention and timely treatment.

Obstetric fistula is almost entirely preventable with proper maternal healthcare, especially timely access to cesarean sections.

When a fistula does occur, complex surgical repair is the standard treatment. Surgery requires skilled specialists, but many women regain full control over their urine and bowel movements and can return to a normal life after successful treatment.

Obstetric fistula affects an estimated two million women worldwide, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Arab region, and Latin America. Each year, around 75,000 new cases are reported.

Obstetric fistula has profound physical, psychological, and social consequences. Physically, women may experience:

Stillbirth in 85–100% of cases due to prolonged labor
Severe vaginal ulcerations
Nerve damage, sometimes causing lower limb paralysis (“foot drop”)
Infections and abscesses
Infertility
Psychologically and socially, women often face stigma, isolation, and abandonment because of chronic urinary or fecal incontinence.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):

“Due to prolonged obstructed labor, the baby almost inevitably dies, and the parent is left with chronic incontinence. Unable to control the flow of urine or stool, or both, they may be abandoned by their spouse and family and ostracized by their community. Without treatment, their prospects for work and family life are virtually nonexistent.”

Vaginal prolapse, sometimes called a vaginal bulge, occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments become weakened and can no longer fully support the uterus and vaginal walls. This can cause the uterus or vaginal tissue to slip downward or protrude through the vaginal opening.

Common risk factors include:

Childbirth, especially long or difficult labor
Delivering larger babies, which places extra stress on pelvic support structures

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control, ranging from mild leakage—such as a few drops of urine when coughing, sneezing, or laughing—to a sudden, strong urge that makes it difficult to reach the toilet in time.

It is a common condition and can be managed or treated effectively, helping improve quality of life and confidence.

Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum—the lower part of the large intestine—slips or protrudes through the anus. In a complete prolapse, the entire rectal wall may extend outside the anal opening.

If left untreated, symptoms such as constipation, difficulty with bowel movements, and loss of bowel control can worsen. Surgery is typically required for long-term correction.

An abdominal hernia occurs when part of an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, creating a visible bulge beneath the skin. It often develops due to increased pressure in the abdomen and weakened muscles.
Treatment depends on severity and may involve surgical repair. In many developing countries, abdominal hernias are commonly linked to heavy lifting and work-related strain.