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Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF)

A woman awaits treatment for VVF and RVF. ©CBM
A young woman awaits surgery for VVF and RVF.
Photo: CBM

What is VVF?

Vesicovaginal Fistula is a term given to an abnormal fistulous tract in women and girls that causes involuntary urination.

Vesicovaginal Fistula is often caused by prolonged childbirth (known as obstetric fistula). During this prolonged labour, the unborn baby's head compresses the soft tissues of the pelvis against the pelvic bone.

When this occurs, the lack of blood flow causes cell and tissue between the bladder and vagina to die. This can result in tearing or holes appearing in the flesh which in turn leads to incontinence.

When adequate obstetric care is not available, it increases the risk of fistula damage and complications during birth. In some cases, a prolonged labour of more than two days will cause the baby to die.

Vaginal fistulas can also be as a result of violent rape. This is more common in conflict zones where women and young girls are subjected to violent rape and it is used as a weapon against communities.

Rectovaginal Fistula (RVF) may also occur at the same time. This is where cell and tissue between the vagina and rectum also dies and tears, leaving women faecally incontinent.

In severe cases of VVF and/or RVF, nerves may become damaged, leaving women at risk of paralysis from the waist down.

Curing Fistula

Curing a fistula is a surgical procedure. However, in some cases the problem is so complex that it cannot be fully cured, leaving women and young girls with a need for long-term care and support.

Fistula can lead to other problems including:

CBM and Fistula

CBM supports projects throughout the developing world, including those in the Democratic Republic of Congo, that provide surgical treatment and rehabilitation for women and young girls who have experienced fistula, and counselling for those who have experienced trauma, who have been raped or whose baby died during birth.

Community Health Workers are key to our work. They locate and refer women and young girls with the condition and are active in their rehabilitation back into their communities.

You can support our work and provide treatment for people with fistula today.

Further Reading