Obstetric Fistula

Obstetric fistula is a condition in which a hole develops in the birth canal as a result of childbirth, connecting the vagina to the rectum, ureter, or bladder, and it can cause chronic incontinence of urine or feces. Complications extend beyond the physical, and can include depression, infertility, and social isolation. Risk factors include obstructed labor, poor access to medical care, malnutrition, and pregnancy in adolescence, and the underlying mechanism is prolonged poor blood flow to the affected tissue during a difficult delivery.