Causes of Rectovaginal Fistula
**Causes of Rectovaginal Fistula**
A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the rectum and the vagina. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
* Pain during intercourse
* Fecal incontinence
* Vaginal discharge
* Rectal pain or bleeding
**Risk Factors**
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing a rectovaginal fistula. These include:
* Childbirth injury
* Pelvic surgery
* Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
* Crohn’s disease
* Ulcerative colitis
* Radiation therapy
* Pelvic abscess
* Trauma
**Causes**
The most common cause of a rectovaginal fistula is childbirth injury. This can occur during a vaginal delivery, especially if the baby is large or the labor is prolonged.
Other causes of rectovaginal fistula include:
* Pelvic surgery: Surgery to remove the uterus or other pelvic organs can damage the rectum and vagina, leading to the formation of a fistula.
* Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. This inflammation can damage the tissue between the rectum and the vagina, leading to the formation of a fistula.
* Crohn’s disease: Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation and damage to the rectum and vagina, leading to the formation of a fistula.
* Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation and damage to the rectum and vagina, leading to the formation of a fistula.
* Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy used to treat cancer can damage the tissue between the rectum and the vagina, leading to the formation of a fistula.
* Pelvic abscess: A pelvic abscess is a collection of pus that can form in the pelvic area. If the abscess is not treated, it can burst and create a fistula between the rectum and the vagina.
* Trauma: Trauma to the pelvic area can damage the tissue between the rectum and the vagina, leading to the formation of a fistula.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a rectovaginal fistula, it is important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
What is Rectovaginal Fistula: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment?
Rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal communication connecting the rectum and vagina characterized by involuntary leakage of stool and gas from the vagina. Symptoms may include difficulty in defecating, incontinence, foul smelling discharge, and painful intercourse. Its causes are diverse, ranging from obstetrical trauma in childbirth to inflammatory bowel diseases. Diagnosis is made through physical examination, imaging, and laboratory testing. Treatment is tailored to the individual patient and may include repair of the fistula using various methods and medications to manage accompanying symptoms. To ensure successful treatment, it is important to accurately diagnose the underlying cause.