Rectovaginal fistula
A rectovaginal fistula is a severe medical condition where there is an fistula between the rectum and vagina. The effects of a rectovaginal fistula are extremely debilitating, as the opening typically allows both flatulence and feces to escape through the vagina, leading to fecal incontinence and recurrent urinary and vaginal infections.
Rectovaginal fistulas are often the result of trauma during childbirth in situations where there is inadequate health care, such as in some poor third world countries. Rates in Eritrea are estimated as high as 350 per 100,000 births. Women with rectovaginal fistula are often stigmatized in these countries, and become outcasts.
Rectovaginal fistulas can also be symptoms of various diseases, including infection by Lymphogranuloma venereum, or the unintended result of surgery, such as episiotomy or sexual reassignment surgery.
This article is a stub. You can help BambooWeb by .
See also
