Abstract

Aim: This study investigates the relationship between vesicovaginal fistulas and types of female genital mutilation FGM.
Material and Methods: The participants of this study were 78 patients, who had taken part in "the Fistula Campaign" that was carried out in Sudan in December 2014 to raise awareness about the development of vesicovaginal fistula. First, the patients were examined and their fistula and mutilation types were determined. Then, the patients were compared in terms of the type of genital mutilation they had undergone. The average length of urinary incontinence, surgery type, development of complications and recurrence of fistula were investigated according to the type of FGM.
Results: The average age of the participants was 25.3±6.7 (16-42) years. The average number of births was 3.3±2.2. Forty-one patients had undergone Type 2 mutilation and 37 had undergone Type 3 genital cutting. When patients from the Type II and Type III FGM groups were compared in relation to their surgery type, the latter group patients were found to need further transvesical attempt at a significant rate. (p=0.014) The rate of success for the Type II FGM group was found to be 73.2% and 78.4% for the Type III patient group. The overall rate was calculated as 75.8%(p=0.405).
Conclusion: FGM is a significant risk factor for female reproductive health. FGM-related fistulas can cause physical, social and psychological traumas in women, which arises as a serious concern for public health. Therefore, it is important to organize campaigns to raise awareness about fistulas in FGM-practiced regions.

Key words: Female Genital Mutilation; Urogenital Fistula; Women's Health.