The problem of genita fistulas is often misunderstood. One tends to associate the condition incorrectly with genital mutilation or with sexual violence and rape in war situations. The genital fistulas that we come across and are trying to treat do not get a lot of media attention no capture the imagination. One does not find any statistics on them in scientific or medical papers. These cases are often regarded as a 'common' ailment and remain generally under the radar. However, because of this lack of attention, they are even more tragic.
Genital fistulas mainly affect the most vulnerable group of women. They usually arise as a result of complications in childbirth, which are common in young, teenage mothers. Chronic malnutrition means that many young women are of petite size and thereby risk needing a caesarean section.Poverty in general, living far away from the nearest birth clinic or hospital and inferior road conditions leave many women unable to find help in case of perinatal problems. If labour continues for too long, the continuous pressure of the trapped baby cuts the blood flow in the pelvis minor.This results in irreversible damage; an opening is formed between the bladder and the vagina; a genital fistula.
Because of the fistulas, these young women may experience constant urine loss and, in some cases, fecal incontinence. Given the limites hygienic resources they can use for protection and the African temperatures, they start to smell and face social isolation.
Women are often rejected by their husband, family and community, and are sometimes not even allowed to take care of their children or participate in working on the land. Suddenly all aspects of life are affected and any hope to return to normal life is lost.
