Overview
A rectovaginal fistula is a tunnel-like opening that develops between your vagina and rectum. Your vagina is a tube that connects your uterus to your vulva (genitals outside your body). Your rectum is the part of your digestive system that connects your large intestine (colon) to your anus. It holds stool and gas until your body releases them.
In a rectovaginal fistula, damage to vaginal tissue causes the tissue to die and a hole (fistula) to form. This opening lets stool and gas enter your vagina. A rectovaginal fistula is a type of vaginal fistula.
What is a vaginal fistula?
Vaginal fistulas are holes that develop between your vagina or uterus (parts of the female reproductive system) and digestive system or urinary system organs.
In addition to the rectum, you may develop other digestive system fistulas, such as:
- Colovaginal fistulas: Openings between your vagina and large intestine (colon).
- Enterovaginal fistulas: Openings between your vagina and small intestine.
How common are rectovaginal fistulas?
As many as 100,000 people worldwide develop vaginal fistulas every year. People in countries with limited medical resources are more likely to develop rectovaginal fistulas.
These fistulas can occur after prolonged vaginal labors that last for days. Pressure from your baby pushing against your vaginal wall can reduce blood flow, causing tissue death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2 million people designated female at birth (DFAB) in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have some type of untreated vaginal fistula.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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