Luwam Semere and Nawal M Nour, “Obstetric Fistula: Living With Incontinence and Shame,” Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology 1, no. 4 (193-197).

URL: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2621054/

Abstract

Over 2 million women worldwide have an obstetric fistula, with the majority of cases occurring in resource-poor countries. Afflicted women tend to be young, primiparous, impoverished, and have little or no access to medical care. Incontinent of urine and/or stool, these women become ostracized and shunned by their community. Most obstetric fistulas are surgically correctible, although surgical outcomes have been poorly studied. Programs that improve nutrition, delay the age of marriage, improve family planning, and increase access to maternal and obstetric care are necessary to prevent obstetric fistula.

Semere and Nour provide a comprehensive review of obstetric fistula and its impact in resource-poor countries.  The authors also discuss factors known to place women and girls at risk of developing fistula as well as available treatment options.