Vaginal and Recto Vaginal Fistulas

A vaginal fistula is a tract or hole that has opened up from the vaginal wall and connects with another organ in the body. The most common types of vaginal fistula are:

• Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) – a tract that connects the vagina and the bladder

• Rectovaginal Fistula (RVF) – a tract that connects the vagina and the rectum

• Colovaginal Fistula (CVF) – a tract that connects the vagina and the colon

• Enterovaginal Fistula (EVF) – a tract that connects the vagina and the small intestine

Causes of Vaginal Fistulas

A fistula usually develops after tissue damage or trauma has occurred to the area. They can develop as quickly as several days or occur after several years of damage. A fistula can be caused by surgery trauma, from chronic illnesses such asCrohn’s Diseaseordiverticulitis, radiation therapy or damage caused by childbirth such atearor infection in an episiotomy wound.

Symptoms Of Vaginal And Recto-Vaginal Fistulas

瘘管本身不会引起任何疼痛或不适，但它会引起不愉快的症状，如大小便或风通过你的阴道导致失禁。阴道持续渗漏也会导致感染或疼痛。

Vaginal Fistulas and Bladder and/or bowel problems

Why might a person with vaginal or recto-vaginal fistulas suffer with bladder or bowel problems?

The first thing you may notice is that you are unable to control urine or faeces from leaking from the vagina, which leads to incontinence issues. This can be quite distressing but there are treatments available to help close the fistula. Treatment usually involves a surgical procedure.

To read about vaginal fistula treatments clickhere.