Help fistula patients to recuperate
A urologist at the 37 Military Hospital has advised men whose wives are suffering from Vesico Vaginal Fistula to minimise their sexual drive in order to save their wives from further complications.
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Dr Ben Adusei said many husbands are unable to control their libido and do not allow their wives enough time to recuperate for a period of three to six months during which obstetric fistula patients’ (their wives) tissues undergo repairs.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency during the Pan African Urological Surgeons Association's maiden conference in Accra on Friday, Dr Adusei said in Ghana, many people had medical conditions relating to the bladder, kidney, urinal tract, penis, testicles and vagina.
He explained that Vesico Vaginal Fistula could occur when blood supply to the tissues of the vagina and the bladder was restricted and holes created, leading to uncontrollable passage of urine.
He said in some instances holes could form between the tissues of the vagina and rectum, resulting in uncontrollable leakage of faeces.
Dr Adusei said female genital mutilation, complications during labour, vaginal cancer and trauma could cause Vesico Vaginal Fistula, which could also lead to psychological trauma, depression and loss of blood.
He said the treatment of the fistula disease was complex and required urologists with specialised training and experience, but not necessarily general training in urology.
Women who experience obstetric fistula suffer constant incontinence, shame, social segregation and health problems. It is estimated that more than two million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Emeritus Professor Edward Yeboah, a Urology consultant at the Department of Surgery at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, said about 200 fistula complication cases were treated free of charge by the participants.
Professor Yehoah, therefore, advised patients to report cases on time to the relevant health centres for treatment.