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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the lower portion of your large intestine — your rectum — and your vagina. Contents of your bowel can leak from the fistula, meaning you might pass gas or stool through your vagina.
A rectovaginal fistula may result from an injury during childbirth, a complication following surgery, cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease. An estimated 0.1 percent of vaginal births lead to a rectovaginal fistula.
The symptoms of a rectovaginal fistula often cause emotional distress as well as physical discomfort. Though bringing up the subject with your doctor may be difficult, it's important to have a rectovaginal fistula evaluated. Some rectovaginal fistulas may close on their own, but most need to be repaired surgically.
