View source for Vesicovaginal fistula

{{Infobox_Disease
 | Name           = {{PAGENAME}}
 | Image          = 
 | Caption        = 
 | DiseasesDB     = 13837
 | ICD10          = {{ICD10|N|82|0|n|80}}
 | ICD9           = {{ICD9|619.0}} 
 | ICDO           = 
 | OMIM           = 
 | MedlinePlus    = 
 | eMedicineSubj  = med
 | eMedicineTopic = 3321
 | MeshID         = D014719
}}
'''Vesicovaginal fistula''' (VVF) is a subtype of female urogenital [[fistula]] (UGF). 

==Presentation==
VVF is an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the [[Urinary bladder|bladder]] and the [[vagina]] that allows the continuous involuntary discharge of [[urine]] into the vaginal vault. 

In addition to the medical [[sequelae]] from these fistulas, they often have a profound effect on the patient's emotional well-being. 

==Causes==
It is often caused by childbirth (in which case it is known as an [[obstetric fistula]]), when a prolonged labor presses the unborn child tightly against the pelvis, cutting off blood flow to the vesicovaginal wall.  The affected tissue may [[necrosis|necrotize]], leaving a hole.

Vaginal fistulas can also result from violent rape. This injury has become common in some war zones, where rape is used as a weapon against civilian populations. As a result, some health centers in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo have begun to specialize in the surgical repair of vaginal fistulas.

==External links==
* [http://www.fightfistula.org One By One] - a nonprofit organization working to eliminate obstetric fistula.
* [http://www.forwarduk.org.uk FORWARD] - a charity that works to eliminate [http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/key-issues/fistula VVF/fistula ] and gender-based discriminatory practices such as [http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/key-issues/fgm FGM] and [http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/key-issues/child-marriage child marriage] which can cause VVF
* [http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthinfo/uz/vesicovaginalfistula.htm PSU]
* [http://www.womenshealthsection.com/content/urog/urogvvf002.php3 Women's Health and Education Center]

{{Diseases of the pelvis, genitals and breasts}}
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[[nl:Vesico-vaginale fistel]]
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[[Category:Disease]]