Obstetric Fistula

Obstetric Fistula

"One of the most serious injuries of childbearing is obstetric fistula, a hole in the vagina or rectum caused by labour that is prolonged – often for days – without treatment. Usually the baby dies. Because the fistula leaves women leaking urine or faeces, or both, it typically results in social isolation, depression and deepening poverty. Left untreated, fistula can lead to chronic medical problems."

 Before taking this global health class, my information about this disability that kills so many innocent people was minimal. I was totally unaware of all the factors that contribute to potentially getting this disease such as poverty, lack of access to health cares, and so many other things that impact their health around the world.

Out of all these heart breaking disease that people suffer due to lack of knowledge, information, and access to health care, literally one touched the bottom of my heart: obstetric fistula. 

As United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) states, "Every day nearly 800 women die from complications of pregnancy. For every woman who dies, 20 or more are injured or disabled."

Unfortunately this disease affects many diverse groups of people who seem to be disadvantaged financially and health-wise. It happens to women or girls whose bodies have not totally developed, and also women affected by poverty that do not have access to medical services. Also, research has shown that women who were treated with traditional practices have potential of developing obstetric fistula. Lack of resources available contributes to the development of this horrific disease. Education and the availability of medical personnel during birth can lower the number of women and girls affected by this disease.

Therefore, prevention has to be the first step towards battling this disease. Women need to be educated about the existence of such a problem that might affect their health in the future. In addition to education, medical resources need to be available for the prevention to take place especially during delivery and the skills to deal with any complications that might develop. 

For more information please visit: http://www.unfpa.org/public/home/mothers/pid/4386

References:

"Obstetric Fistula." UNFPA -. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 June 2013.