Health Guide on Fistula Symptoms in Women: Learn Everything Here

A fistula is a passage between an organ and the skin or from one hollowed outlet of tissue to another, which can have devastating effects on women including reproductive health. It is usually linked to situations like childbirth, surgery or an infection and can appear anywhere in the body. Early diagnosis and the right treatment need to be followed by understanding fistula symptoms closely. In this blog, we will talk about different types of fistula that affect women, their symptoms and why it is important to seek medical care on time.

What is a Fistula?

A fistula is an abnormal or surgically made passage between a hollow or tubular organ and the body surface, which can also be termed as pathological communication. There are different types of fistulas that can develop in women, though the most common include obstetric and anal among others. The most likely causes of fistulas are childbirth injuries or complications from surgery, as well as infections and inflammatory diseases like Crohn's disease. Without treatment, fistulas can cause chronic infections and pain throughout the body.

Fistulas in Females — Different Kinds

1. Obstetric Fistula:

Obstetric fistulas generally occur between vagina and bladder (vesicovaginal) or rectum (rectvagina). This is very common, usually as a result of either difficult or obstructed labour where healthcare services are not available. They can also result from surgical injuries that occur during caesareans or hysterectomies.

2. Anal Fistula:

In women, anal fistulas refer to a small canal between the end of your bowel and skin near in or around anus. An example is an abscess, a collection of pus that forms in response to infection and leads to the development of this type fistula. If the abscess drains a fistula, this forms and they end up having constant connection between bowel to skin.

3. Enterovaginal Fistula:

This one connects the intestines to vagina. Occurs less frequently but can be a complication of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or after abdominal surgeries.

Symptoms of Obstetric Fistula

1. Uncontrolled Urine Leakage:

Vesicovaginal fistula is disturbing in that it presents with continual urine flow through the vagina. This is due to the fact that there will be an irregular link, from which urine gets around bladders and moves instantly in a vagina canal.

2. Faecal Incontinence:

In women with a rectovaginal fistula, the stool or gas can escape more easily through the vagina. This is extremely distressing and socially isolating, which can be a grounds for very poor emotional stress along with pain.

3. Recurrent Infections:

It is swamped with open wounds, most vulnerable to dissolve urinary tract infections (UTIs) or vaginal infections for women who are unlucky enough to have an obstetric fistula. Such infections can also lead to other symptoms like burning, dysuria and vulvar itching.

4. Vaginal Discharge with Odour:

One unique symptom of an obstetric fistula is constant vaginal discharge which can smell very bad. This discharge comes out for the reason of chronic infection or irritation from recurring contact with urine or stool.

5. Pain and Discomfort:

If a fistula has been around for some time, there may be processes in the pelvis that are ongoing and irreversible (e.g. adhesions), so common problems or pain conditions can arise. Add infection and inflammation to the mix, and this pain only gets worse.

Symptoms of Anal Fistula

1. Pain and Swelling:

An anal fistula generally comes with pain, such as when you poop. It is a pain that can be sharp or even throb and many times brings in inflamed masses near the anal opening.

2. Discharge from the Anus:

Symptoms A telltale sign of an anal fistula is a discharge that may be pus or blood -- from an opening in your perianal skin. This discharge may also provide quite a bad smell and it is commonly an indication of infection that continues to be occurring in the body.

3. Recurrent Abscesses:

An anal fissure can be associated with an infection (abscess) and some women develop repeated abscesses that must be drained. A fistula boosts prospects of abscess resurgences unless it is conducted with surgical method.

4. Skin Irritation:

This discharge is continuous and tends to cause irritation, itching around the anus which in turn causes increased discomfort / secondary skin infections.

Signs and Symptoms of Enterovaginal Fistula

1. Faecal matter in vaginal discharge:

VE-stool gas in discharge. This can happen sporadically or permanently, depending on the size and position of the fistula.

2. Abdominal Pain:

Uterovaginal fistulas: Women with uterovaginal fistulas may also suffer from abdominal pain or cramping (if the fistula is associated with inflammatory bowel disease) The intensity of the pain can differ, and some patients may also experience other gastrointestinal symptoms.

3. Recurrent Infections:

Enterovaginal fistulas, similar to other forms of faecal anorectal disorder or recto-vagina obstruction may cause vaginal infection easily and repeated urinary tract infections which produce symptoms such as excreta through the vagina, urine pain burns discomfort urination rate increase.

Early Detection and Diagnosis is Essential

Fistulas do not generally close spontaneously and may need medical or surgical treatment to prevent complications. If you have any of the symptoms that we spoke about, please seek medical care as soon as possible. If a fistula is suspected your health care provider will examine you and order imaging studies or other tests to confirm its presence, characterise it further and decide what treatment option may be best.

Fistula Treatment Options

Management of fistulas depends on the size, type and cause behind them. Common treatments include:

Surgery: Surgical correction is often required to repair the connection and restore normal function. These vary depending on the complexity and site of the fistula .

Antibiotics: To help control infection (either given before or after surgery).

Fistula Plugs or Glue: In some cases, less invasive options may be used to close the fistula tract (such as with a plug)

Conclusion

Fistulas are hard to live with, but prompt diagnosis and correct treatment should enable most women to make the best recovery. Early recognition of symptoms and diagnosis can help you to properly treat and manage this disease as well as prevent the associated complications. If you think you might have a fistula, book an appointment with your healthcare provider to see what treatment is right for you and start the road to recovery today!