Vaginal Fistula

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and assess your symptoms. Let your healthcare provider know about all your symptoms so they can best help you. Sometimes, a pelvic exam and going over your symptoms are enough to diagnose a fistula. Other times, your provider will order more tests.

Diagnostic tests for vaginal fistulas include:

Complete blood counts (CBC) and urinalysis to look for infections.
Dye test, inserting dye in your bladder or rectum and checking for signs of leakage from your vagina.
Fistulogram X-ray to determine the number and size of fistulas.
CT urogram (computed tomography urogram) to view your vagina and urinary tract.
Pelvic MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to view your vagina and rectum.
Cystoscopy to view inside your bladder and urethra.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy to view your rectum and the lower part of your large intestine (colon).
Colonoscopy to examine the inside of your rectum and all of your large intestine.
Retrograde pyelogram using an injectable dye and X-rays to find leakage between your vagina and ureters.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

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.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.