Home>News>Obstetric fistula
Written by Biotic Artlab
Jul 30, 2026

Obstetric fistula

Overview

Obstetric fistula is one of the most severe childbirth injuries. It’s caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without access to timely medical care, resulting in a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum.1

Causes

During obstructed labor, the fetal head presses against the pelvis for an extended period, cutting off blood flow to surrounding tissue and eventually creating an abnormal connection between the genital tract and the bladder or rectum. Adolescent pregnancy before the pelvis is fully developed, malnutrition, small stature, and lack of access to timely obstetric care all increase risk.2

Symptoms

The condition leaves women with constant leakage of urine, feces, or both, along with skin irritation, recurrent infections, and a persistent odor. Beyond the physical toll, it often leads to depression, social isolation, and deepening poverty.1

Treatment

Surgical repair is the primary treatment, with reported success rates between 80 and 97%. Because the condition results from obstructed labor, timely access to cesarean delivery is the most effective way to prevent it from occurring in the first place.3

Why Visual Communication Matters for Obstetric Fistula

Obstetric fistula remains widely misunderstood, in part because so few people outside affected regions ever see how obstructed labor leads to this kind of injury. Clear illustrations can help clinicians, trainees, and advocacy organizations explain the mechanism accurately and respectfully, supporting both prevention education and fundraising efforts.

How We Support Obstetric Fistula Communication

We help with:

  • Illustrations explaining how obstructed labor leads to fistula formation
  • Visuals supporting surgical training and repair techniques
  • Educational content for maternal health and advocacy organizations
  • Materials for NGOs and global health communication campaigns

Have a Project in Mind?

Whether you’re explaining obstetric mechanisms, developing educational materials, or supporting a maternal health campaign, we create visuals that make complex science easier to understand.
Contact us at info@biotic-artlab.com or reach out through our contact page to discuss your next obstetric fistula communication project.

References

  1. Obstetric fistula. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Available here.
  2. Obstetric Fistula, Essential Surgery. NCBI Bookshelf. Available here.
  3. Overcoming phase 1 delays: the critical component of obstetric fistula prevention programs in resource poor countries. NCBI. Available here.