A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal link between your rectum and your vagina. The contents of your bowel can leak through the fistula, allowing gas or stool to pass through your vagina, says the best fistula doctor in Kolkata.
A rectovaginal fistula can be caused by:
• An injury during childbirth
• Crohn's disease or another inflammatory bowel disease
• Radiation therapy or cancer in the pelvic area
• A complication following pelvic surgery
The condition can cause emotional distress and physical discomfort, affecting self-esteem and intimacy.
Even if the signs and symptoms of a rectovaginal fistula are embarrassing, consult your doctor. Some rectovaginal fistulas heal on their own but the majority require surgical repair, says the best fistula surgeon in Kolkata.
Causes
A rectovaginal fistula can form as a result of:
Childbirth injuries
Birth injuries most commonly cause rectovaginal fistulas. This contains tears in the perineum that extend to the bowel or a surgical incision made during vaginal delivery to enlarge the perineum. These symptoms can also occur after a long, difficult, or obstructed labour. These types of fistulas may also cause injury to your anal sphincter and the muscle rings at the end of the rectum that help you keep stool in place.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is the second most common cause of rectovaginal fistulas. It is an inflammatory bowel disease in which the digestive tract lining becomes inflamed. Most women with Crohn's disease do not develop rectovaginal fistulas, but having Crohn's disease increases your chances of developing the condition, says the expert of fistula treatment in Kolkata.
Cancer or radiation therapy in your pelvic region
A cancerous tumour in your rectum, cervix, vagina, uterus, or anal canal can cause a rectovaginal fistula. Radiation therapy for these types of cancer can also put you at risk of developing this condition. Radiation fistulas typically form six months to two years after treatment.
Symptoms
Relying on the size and location of the fistula, you may experience minor or significant signs, such as:
• Passage of stool, gas, or pus from your vagina
• Recurrent vaginal or urinary tract infections
• Pain or irritation in the vulva, vagina, and the area between your vagina and anus
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pain during sexual intercourse
When should you see a doctor?
Consult your doctor if you encounter signs or symptoms of a rectovaginal fistula. A fistula could be the first sign of a larger problem, such as an infected, pus-filled area (abscess) or cancer. Identifying the cause of the fistula can assist your doctor in developing a treatment plan for you, says the best fistula doctor in Kolkata.
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