What is vaginal fistula?

Vaginal Fistula

What is a vaginal fistula?

A fistula is a passage or hole that has formed between:

  • Two organs in your body.
  • An organ in your body and your skin.

A fistula that has formed in the wall of the vagina is called a vaginal fistula.

  • A vaginal fistula that opens into the urinary tract is called a vesicovaginal fistula.
  • A vaginal fistula that opens into the rectum is called a rectovaginal fistula.
  • A vaginal fistula that opens into the colon is called a colovaginal fistula.
  • A vaginal fistula that opens into the small bowel is called a enterovaginal fistula.

What are the symptoms of a vaginal fistula?

A vaginal fistula is usually painless. But a fistula lets urine or feces pass into your vagina. This is called incontinence. And it can cause soiling problems that you cannot control.

  • If you have a vaginal fistula that opens into the urinary tract, you most likely will have urine leaking out of your vagina.
  • If you have a vaginal fistula that opens to your rectum or colon, you most likely have foul-smelling discharge or gas coming from your vagina.
  • Your vagina or vulva may get irritated or infected if you have a fistula.

How is a vaginal fistula diagnosed?

Your symptoms are the most clear signs of a vaginal fistula. Your doctor will want to talk about your symptoms and about any surgery, trauma, or disease that could have caused a fistula. For a physical exam, your doctor will use a speculum to look at the vaginal walls. You may have other tests, such as:

  • The use of dye in the vagina (and maybe the bladder or rectum) to find all signs of leakage.
  • Urinalysis to check for infection.
  • Blood test (complete blood count) to check for signs of infection in your body.

Your doctor may also use an X-ray, endoscope or MRI to get a clear look and check for all possible tissue damage.

How is a vaginal fistula treated?

If you have a vaginal fistula, you will most likely need surgery to repair it. Before surgery, your doctor will see whether the tissue is healthy or needs to heal first.

  • You may need medicine or wound care to heal the tissue before surgery.
  • If you have inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor will not do surgery during a symptom flare.
  • If you have a large rectovaginal fistula, you may first have a colostomy. This is to keep the fistula clear for the surgery. After the fistula repair heals, the colostomy is taken out.

After fistula repair surgery, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. See your doctor right away if you have signs of infection, such as a fever, tenderness, swelling, or redness.

How can you care for yourself when you have a vaginal fistula?

If you need surgery, follow your doctor's instructions on how to prepare. Take medicines as prescribed. To relieve pain and prevent irritation, keep your vulva clean. Wash with plain water or with mild, unscented soap. Don't douche. Try using pads for any urine or stool leakage. After surgery, follow instructions for care at home.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.

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