Women living with obstetric fistula in Uasin Gishu County have been urged to seek medical attention instead of suffering in silence due to stigma and misconceptions surrounding the condition.
Dr Josiah Kinarwa has called on affected women to visit health facilities for treatment, noting that fistula is a treatable condition that should not prevent them from living normal lives.
Kinarwa said women diagnosed with the condition can undergo surgery to repair the damage and help them regain their health and confidence.
He noted that many women continue to endure the condition because of fear, shame and harmful beliefs within their communities, which often prevent them from seeking medical assistance.
The doctor identified childbirth at home without access to skilled medical care and teenage pregnancies as some of the factors associated with obstetric fistula. He warned that young girls who become pregnant before their bodies are fully developed may face a higher risk of complications during childbirth.
Obstetric fistula is an abnormal opening that develops between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, often following prolonged and obstructed labour. The condition can cause continuous leakage of urine or stool, leaving affected women facing serious physical, emotional and social challenges.
Kinarwa urged women to reject cultural beliefs that associate fistula with a curse or punishment. He said such misconceptions only increase the suffering of affected women by discouraging them from seeking professional care.
He encouraged families and communities to support women living with the condition and help them access treatment without discrimination or judgment.
The doctor emphasised that women should not lose hope after being diagnosed with fistula, as medical intervention can help them recover and return to their daily activities.
He also called for greater awareness of maternal health and the importance of seeking skilled medical assistance during pregnancy and childbirth to reduce complications that may lead to fistula.
Women experiencing symptoms associated with the condition have been encouraged to visit qualified healthcare providers for assessment and guidance on available treatment options.
The call comes amid continued efforts to raise awareness about maternal health complications and address the stigma that prevents women from accessing essential healthcare services. Health professionals say early medical attention, access to skilled birth attendants and timely treatment of labour complications are important in preventing and managing obstetric fistula.
