Women Suffer in Silence from Postpartum Fistula Despite Available Treatment

Numerous women in Bangladesh continue to suffer from postpartum fistula, a condition causing involuntary leakage of urine or feces, despite the availability of treatment. Many, like Marjina Begum, who has experienced leakage for 20 years, live in isolation due to shame and discomfort. Postpartum fistula, often resulting from prolonged obstructed labor without adequate medical care, creates abnormal connections between the vagina and the bladder or rectum. Research indicates approximately 35 out of every 100,000 women aged 15-64 in Bangladesh are affected, totaling around 20,000 cases. Survivors often face social stigma, impacting their quality of life. While treatment options like surgery exist at centers such as the National Fistula Centre at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, many women remain unaware or unable to access timely care, leading to prolonged suffering.

The continued suffering of women from postpartum fistula, despite available treatment, highlights critical issues in healthcare access, awareness, and the social stigma surrounding the condition, demanding urgent attention.