Obstetric Fistula

A Near Miss of Maternal Mortality

A Huge Hit for Maternal Morbidity

Obstetric fistula - a channel that develops between any of the organs in the vaginal area

Obstructed labor - occurs when the fetus is stuck inside the mother during birth, usually resulting from underdeveloped hips

Obstetric fistula - a channel that develops between any of the organs in the vaginal area

Bladder

Rectum

Cephalo-Pelvic Disproportion

Obstetric fistula - a channel that develops between any of the organs in the vaginal area

Obstructed labor - occurs when the fetus is stuck inside the mother during birth usually resulting from underdeveloped hips

Parity - the number of babies a mother has had

Primipara/Primiparous

Multipara/Multiparous

Incontinence - the inability to control urination and/or defecation

Who Has Obstetric Fistula?

-NOT your moms, sisters and teachers

-marginalized women and girls

-at least 2 million women with 100,000 new cases each year

These Marginalized Women Usually…

• Live in poor, isolated, rural areas• Have little to no education• Are subsistence farmers• Have no control over their health or finances• Are married and pregnant at a young age

How much does it cost for a woman with obstetric fistula to get transportation, surgery and rehabilitation?

This chart shows the systemic and infrastructural flaws that contribute to obstetric fistula.

There are two ways to combat obstetric fistula:

1.Treatment

2. Prevention

Treatment

Fecal and urinary incontinence can be partially or fully treated through surgery

Mental health can be preserved through support groups

Prevention Education for girls

Education for healers

Family planning

Better transportation

How you can help

Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

www.kiva.org

www.endfistula.org

Thank you for your time and attention!