Childbirth injury cases on the rise

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M– Childbirth injuries known as obstetric fistula are on the rise among women and girls.

A recently released report captured 88 cases of obstetric fistula while two million, suffered from this illness globally.

Obstetric fistula has been described as one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries.

“It is a hole between the birth canal and bladder and/or rectum, caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment,” according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

UNFPA’s observation is that obstetric fistula most commonly occurred in poor, rural areas of Africa and Asia where the women affected live in dirt-floor dwellings and lack access to running water and incontinence pads.

“Under these circumstances, a woman with fistula faces devastating physical and psychological consequences. Unable to control the leaking of her body’s waste, she suffers from chronic infections and pain. Too often, her smell drives away her husband, family and friends.”

UNFPA highlighted that, with little community understanding of fistula and its causes, a woman was frequently blamed for her condition.

“She too often lives in isolation, unaware that others share her injury and that it is treat- able. Because fistula usually occurs during a woman’s first pregnancy— when she is in her teens or early twenties—she will likely suffer for decades, if it is not repaired.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said each year between 50 000 to 100 000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula.

A doctor educating an expectant mother about obstethic fistula.

“The development of obstetric fistula is directly linked to one of the major causes of maternal mortality: Obstructed labour.”

The WHO said, women who experienced obstetric fistula suffered constant incontinence, shame, social segregation and health problems. It is estimated that more than two million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

“Obstetric fistula is preventable; it can largely be avoided by: Delaying the age of first pregnancy; the cessation of harmful traditional practices; and timely access to obstetric care.”

SurvivorS

Several survivors of obstetric fistula shared their experiences on BioMed central’s health publication.

“My attitudes towards men changed and I no longer have the true love for men like the one I had before suffering from fistula. This attitude arose from my husband who ran away from me when I needed him the most when I had fistula…” (Female, 26, years old) “After the opera