Healing the Hidden Scars: challenges and solutions in obstetric fistula
Abstract
Obstetric fistula (OBF) is an obstetric trauma, affecting primarily young girls with immature reproductive systems and women experiencing prolonged, obstructed labor, without medical facilities to aid in timely intervention. OBF occurs when a baby trapped in the birth canal applies pressure on the surrounding vaginal tissue, cutting off the blood supply and causing the tissue to die (necrosis). Following the death of the tissue, an abnormal connection forms between the bladder, rectum, and vagina (a fistula) that leads to chronic incontinence, severe infections, and infertility. Compounding the issue is the lack of availability to quality maternal health care systems (mostly found in urban areas) and access to quality maternity resources in rural areas of countries which furthers the scope of reach of OBF's impact on women's health. Although OBF is preventable, it is highly stigmatized and remains taboo in health service and academic discussion. The purpose of this presentation is to raise awareness by exploring the characteristics of OBF's physical and psychological impacts, as well as exploring opportunities for prevention, effective management, and community engagement for women affected by obstetric fistula.
Healing the Hidden Scars: challenges and solutions in obstetric fistula
Obstetric fistula (OBF) is an obstetric trauma, affecting primarily young girls with immature reproductive systems and women experiencing prolonged, obstructed labor, without medical facilities to aid in timely intervention. OBF occurs when a baby trapped in the birth canal applies pressure on the surrounding vaginal tissue, cutting off the blood supply and causing the tissue to die (necrosis). Following the death of the tissue, an abnormal connection forms between the bladder, rectum, and vagina (a fistula) that leads to chronic incontinence, severe infections, and infertility. Compounding the issue is the lack of availability to quality maternal health care systems (mostly found in urban areas) and access to quality maternity resources in rural areas of countries which furthers the scope of reach of OBF's impact on women's health. Although OBF is preventable, it is highly stigmatized and remains taboo in health service and academic discussion. The purpose of this presentation is to raise awareness by exploring the characteristics of OBF's physical and psychological impacts, as well as exploring opportunities for prevention, effective management, and community engagement for women affected by obstetric fistula.
