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What Is a Urinary Fistula in Women?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sirish Bharadwaj , Urologists
Urinary fistula in women is an abnormal connection between the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra) and nearby organs like the vagina or colon.
This condition can cause serious discomfort, leakage issues, and infections. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for restoring normal function and improving quality of life.
What are the Urinary Fistula Symptoms and Warning Signs?
Urinary fistulas may go unnoticed until symptoms become persistent. Recognising the early signs helps avoid complications.
Common Symptoms
- Continuous leakage of urine from the vagina
- Foul-smelling discharge or gas from the vagina
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Irritation in the vulva area
- Abdominal pain
Severe Symptoms
- Feces leaking through the vagina
- Passing gas during urination
- Fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
What are the Different Types of Urinary Fistula?
There are several types of urinary fistulas, depending on where the abnormal connection forms:
- Vesicovaginal fistula: Between the bladder and vagina (most common type in women)
- Enterovesical fistula: Between the bowel and bladder
- Vesicouterine fistula: Between the bladder and uterus
- Ureterovaginal fistula: Between the ureter and vagina
- Urethrovaginal fistula: Between the urethra and vagina
- Colovesical fistula: Between the colon and bladder
- Rectovaginal fistula: Between the rectum and vagina
What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Urinary Fistula?
Urinary fistulas usually result from injury or damage to pelvic tissues, often following surgery or childbirth.
Causes
- Hysterectomy and Caesarean section
- Radiation therapy for pelvic cancers
- Complications from childbirth or episiotomy
- Cancer (cervical or colon)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, colitis)
Risk Factors
- Pelvic surgeries
- Difficult or obstructed labour
- Infections or tissue trauma
- Poor access to healthcare (especially in developing regions)
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Get Second OpinionHow is Urinary Fistula Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis involves clinical exams and imaging tests to determine the location and severity of the fistula.
Diagnostic Tests Include
- Pelvic examination
- Urine analysis to detect infection
- Complete blood count (CBC) for signs of infection
- Excretory urogram and retrograde pyelogram with contrast dye
- Cystoscopy to inspect the bladder and urethra
- Fistulogram to visualise fistula pathways
- CT urogram and MRI for detailed organ imaging
- Dye test to confirm leakage from the bladder into the vagina
What are the Treatment Options for Urinary Fistula?
Treatment depends on the type and size of the fistula and whether the surrounding tissue is healthy.
Conservative Treatment
- Small fistulas may heal with non-surgical care
- Use of urinary catheter or ureteral stents to allow healing
Surgical Treatment
- Vaginal or abdominal surgery depending on fistula type
- Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgeries for precision and quicker recovery
- Colostomy in severe cases to prepare the area before final repair
- Tissue repair and removal of damaged tissue or tumours
- Post-surgical catheter placement for healing
At Medicover
Our urologists and gynecological surgeons deliver personalised, advanced treatments using minimally invasive techniques when possible. Recovery is supported by our experienced nursing team and follow-up care.
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Continuous urinary leakage after childbirth or surgery
- Unexplained vaginal discharge or infections
- Fever and abdominal pain alongside urinary symptoms
High-risk patients: Women who recently had pelvic surgery or radiation therapy should consult a specialist if any abnormal symptoms arise.
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What is the Recovery Process After Urinary Fistula Treatment?
Post-treatment recovery varies depending on the surgical method and the complexity of the fistula.
Typical Recovery Steps
- Bladder catheter for 2–4 weeks
- Wound care and infection prevention
- Follow-up imaging to confirm healing
- Possible physiotherapy for pelvic floor muscles
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Avoid heavy lifting or intercourse until cleared by a doctor
- Maintain hygiene to prevent infection
- Follow a balanced diet to support healing
Medicover Support
Our aftercare program encompasses physical rehabilitation, dietary guidance, and emotional support to help patients regain their confidence and return to their daily lives.
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Urinary Fistula?
Prevention
- Ensure safe and skilled childbirth practices
- Avoid unnecessary pelvic surgeries
- Treat infections early
- Regular checkups after pelvic cancer treatment
Complications if Untreated
- Chronic infections
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Emotional and social distress
- Tissue damage and organ dysfunction
Dos and Don'ts
A urinary fistula can form at any part of the urinary tract system. Managing urinary fistula requires a high level of care and a set of dos and don'ts to be followed.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Drink plenty of liquids | Drink excess alcohol and caffeine |
| Eat a balanced diet | Eat bakery items such as pastries, food made of refined flour, hydrogenated oils, etc. |
| Keep your genital area clean | Ignore cleaning your genitals after sexual activity |
| Check for any urinary tract abnormalities | Take any over-the-counter medications without consulting the doctor |
| Wear clean undergarments | Use sprays or powders in the genital area |
Our Experience Treating Urinary Fistula
At Medicover hospitals, we have the most reliable medical experts, including urologists, who plan a personalised treatment pathway for each patient. We believe in a multidisciplinary approach to managing urinary fistulas that have become severe or affected other organs as well.
From diagnosis to recovery, we’re committed to providing holistic, compassionate, and affordable care every step of the way.
Citations
- https://www.denverurology.com/female-urology/urinary-fistula/
- https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/urinary-fistula
- https://urologyaustin.com/general-urology/urinary-fistula/
- https://www.unitedurology.com/conditions-treatments/general-urology/urinary-fistula/
- https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/womens-pelvic-health/conditions-treated/fistulas
