A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection that develops between the vagina and the rectum, also known as the bottom portion of the large intestine. Gas or feces may be able to enter the vagina due to bowel contents seeping through the fistula. KD Blossom has a team of experts who have experience and training at the level of the best gynecology hospital in Ahmedabad in dealing with rectovaginal fistula.

Stool and gas may seep out of the vagina as a result of the disorder. You might have physical and mental discomfort as a result, which could affect your intimacy and sense of self.

Even though it may be humiliating, discuss any symptoms of a rectovaginal fistula with your healthcare physician. While the majority of rectovaginal fistulas require surgery to repair, some may close on their own.

What Are The Symptoms?

Gas or feces coming out of the vagina is the most typical sign of a rectovaginal fistula. The location and extent of the fistula will determine whether or not you have any symptoms. Alternatively, you can be having serious issues with gas leaks, stools, and maintaining a clean environment.

Rectal fistulas can develop as a result of:

• Harm sustained during childbirth.
• Another inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease.
• Radiation therapy or cancer in the pelvis area.
• Complications following pelvic surgery.
• Complication resulting from diverticulitis, a digestive tract infection affecting tiny, protruding pouches.

Stool and gas may seep out of the vagina as a result of the disorder. You might have physical and mental discomfort as a result, which could affect your intimacy and sense of self.

Even though it may be humiliating, discuss any symptoms of a rectovaginal fistula with your gynecologist in Ahmedabad. While the majority of rectovaginal fistulas require surgery to repair, some may close on their own.

What Are The Causes?

Recto vaginal fistulas can develop from:

• Injuries During Childbirth: Rectovaginal fistulas are most frequently caused by injuries sustained during childbirth. A bowel-extending rip in the perineum, or the skin between the vagina and the anus, is one type of injury, as is an infection. Anal sphincter injuries — damage to the rings of muscle at the end of the rectum that aids in holding in stool — may be a contributing factor in fistulas brought on by birth trauma.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn’s disease is the second most prevalent cause of rectovaginal fistulas, with ulcerative colitis occurring less frequently. The tissues lining the digestive tract enlarge and become irritated as a result of these inflammatory bowel illnesses. Recto vaginal fistulas are uncommon in patients with Crohn’s disease, although they are nonetheless more likely to occur.
• Cancer Or Radiation Treatment In The Pelvic Area: A rectovaginal fistula may be caused by a malignant tumor in your uterus, anal canal, cervix, vagina, or rectum. You may also be at risk if you receive radiation therapy for tumors in certain regions. Radiation-induced fistulas can develop at any point after radiation therapy, but they typically do so in the first two years.
• Surgery Involving Vagina, Rectum, Or Anus: Rarely, a fistula may occur as a result of previous surgery performed in the lower pelvic region, such as the removal of an infected Bartholin’s gland. On either side of the vaginal entrance are glands called Bartholin’s, which aid in maintaining the vagina’s moisture. An injury sustained during surgery or an infection or leak that appears later can both result in the development of a fistula.
• Complications From Diverticulitis: A fistula may result from diverticulitis, an infection of the small, protruding pouches in your digestive tract that causes the rectum or large intestine to adhere to the vagina.
• Other Causes: In rare cases, infections in the skin around the anus or vagina may result in the development of a rectovaginal fistula.

What Are The Complications?

Rectovaginal fistula complications can include:

• Fecal incontinence is the term for the uncontrollably lost stool.
• Difficulties maintaining a clean perineum.
• Recurring urinary tract or vaginal infections.
• Skin irritation or inflammation surrounding your anus, perineum, or vagina.
• Fistula occurring again.
• Problems with intimacy and self-worth.

Conclusion

Should you experience any signs of a rectovaginal fistula, consulting KD Blossom may help you. Complications are common in individuals with Crohn’s disease who develop a fistula. These could include delayed healing or the formation of a second fistula.