Obstetric fistula, most commonly caused by prolonged obstructed labor without timely medical intervention, continues to disproportionately impact women in low-resource settings, where access to maternal healthcare and specialized surgical services may be limited.
The day serves as an important reminder of the need for improved maternal healthcare systems, timely obstetric care, surgical access, and long-term support for women living with fistula-related complications.
As part of IUGA’s ongoing commitment to global women’s health and pelvic floor care, the upcoming IUGA Annual Meeting in Rio de Janeiro will include a dedicated Global Health Session addressing key issues related to obstetric fistula and its long-term management.
One featured presentation, “Post-Obstetric Fistula Repair Residual Urinary Incontinence, State of the Science on Evidence-Based Management: An Update,” will be presented by Komal Sharma (United States) and Holly Richter (United States) on Friday, June 12, at 2:00 PM.
The presentation will explore current evidence-based approaches to managing residual urinary incontinence following repair of an obstetric fistula. While successful fistula closure can significantly improve quality of life, some patients continue to experience urinary symptoms after surgery, highlighting the importance of ongoing research, multidisciplinary follow-up care, and global knowledge sharing.
By incorporating topics such as fistula prevention, surgical outcomes, and post-repair management into the Global Health Session, IUGA continues to support international collaboration and education aimed at improving care for women affected by pelvic floor disorders around the world.