Obstetric Fistula: The Agony of Unsafe Motherhood. A Review of Nigeria Experience

Obstetric fistula is a dehumanizing complication of childbirth that has severe psychosocial impact; though almost non-existing in developed nations, it is still a public health problem in Nigeria and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, about 100,000–1,000,000 women are living with obstetric fistula and estimated 50,000-100,000 new cases occur annually.

To review the relevant literature on obstetric fistula in Nigeria, literature search was carried on epidemiology, prevalence, risk factors, causes, reasons for delay in intervention, complications and preventions using Google search. Additional information was obtained from text and journal in medical library of University of Calabar library.

The main cause of obstetric fistula in Nigeria is prolonged obstructed labour, which most often occur due to delay in seeking medical attention because of social and financial reasons. Other causes include inadequate facilities for emergency obstetric services, especially caesarean section, poor access to existing ones, and delay in intervention on reaching the health facilities as a result of limited number of skilled obstetric personnel and/or equipments.

There is need to increase collaboration and education of local communities on the cultural and social factors that influence and increase risk of obstetric fistula as well as improving the health-system’s response to emergency obstetric care.