What is Obstetric Fistula?
Obstetric fistula is an injury to a woman's reproductive organs, usually occurring during prolonged, obstructed labor and without Caesarean section which would relieve the problem. Tears in the vagina occur which also tear other organs, producing leakage of urine and feces. Labor that lasts several days creates pressure on tissues, which cause tissue death. After 2 to 3 days of obstructed labor, the infant usually dies, but even so the labor may continue several days or more if medical treatment is not provided. It is painful, dangerous for the mothers, and devastating to their lives if left untreated.
How, and Why, Does Obstetric Fistula Occur?
Obstetric fistula occurs because of difficulties in childbirth, which is why it is called 'obstetric fistula.' Through violent rape or through difficulty in childbirth, ruptures can form between the vagina and other internal organs, creating continual incontenance, leakage of fecal matter, and other dangerous, painful and difficult tears in other organs. A young woman, who's pelvis has not fully developed before becoming pregnant, is at risk for obstetric fistula. 
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byHow to Prevent and Treat Obstetric Fistula?
Prevention is the best method of controlling obstetric fistula. Proper medical care during childbirth can keep obstetric fistula from happening, or if one opens during childbirth, it can be treated immediately without further complications. 90% of women receiving immediate treatment survive. With complications, that number is reduced to 60%. Assisting young women to be protected from abusive sexuality, such as violent rape, and preventing reproductive activity prior to the maturation of the pelvis keeps the danger of obstetric fistula down. Access to medical care is critical to the health and well-being of the mothers. Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWhat Countries have the Highest Rate of Obstetric Fistula?
Addis Ababa, Bangladesh, Sudan, Ethiopia, Chad, Ghana, and Nigeria all have very high rates of obstetric fistula among their young women. The rates are very high, estimated at 2 or 3 women per 1000 have been afflicted with obstetric fistula. Early marriage, (before the pelvis is fully developed), absence of health care during child birth and chronic malnutrition all contribute to this difficult, but easy to treat problem. Mistreatment of females often results in the exclusion from the community because of continuous incontinence or rectal matter discharge; often these young women are thrown from homes and left alone to wander and die. When treatment is made available to these poor women, their lives are improved dramatically, their health improves, and they are given their lives back. While this used to be a problem in developed nations before the health system was in place, and able to meet these special needs of childbirth, since that time the condition is very rare in developed nations. Blood Pressure Monitor
This monitors will help you prevent blood pressure problems.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byObstetric Fistula Video
NDW: What is Obstetric Fistula Pt 1
A discussion with Lisa Russell on the peril of teenage childbirth in the third world. Morris County NOW "New Directions for Women" Cable TV series Program #150
Health Monitor
Some monitors to help you prevent deseases and check your health.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byVisitor Feedback
Did you like this page? Having something to say abou the obstetric fistula problem? Leave it here please.
|
bjbook
Very informative lens. Posted August 24, 2008 |
|
ms-giggles
The one thing I love most about Squidoo is the diversity of lenses and the education that goes with them. Thanks for sharing Obstetric Fistula. Posted August 19, 2008 |
|
JonitasKalimpo
this is a very serious problem in africa. I can't believe that this could still exist Posted May 13, 2008 |
|
RolandK_Mary
this is a serious problem. i never thought it was so serious. great page this one, thanks for sharing it with us. Posted May 13, 2008 |
