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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffDepending on the size and location of the fistula, you may have very minor symptoms or significant problems with continence and hygiene. Signs and symptoms of a rectovaginal fistula may include:
- Passage of gas, stool or pus from your vagina
- A foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Recurrent vaginal or urinary tract infections
- Irritation or pain in the vulva, vagina and the area between your vagina and anus (perineum)
- Pain during sexual activity
When to see a doctor
If you experience any signs or symptoms of rectovaginal fistula, make an appointment to see your doctor. A fistula may be the first indication of a more serious problem, such as an area of infection where pus has collected (abscess), or cancer. It's important that your doctor identify the cause of the fistula and determine whether and when it should be repaired. Depending on the cause of your fistula, your doctor may refer you to a colorectal or gynecologic surgeon.
- Lentz GM. Anatomic defects of the abdominal wall and pelvic floor: Abdominal and inguinal hernias, cystocele, urethrocele, enterocele, rectocele, uterine and vaginal prolapse, and rectal incontinence: Diagnosis and management. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/196058617-5/0/1524/134.html?tocnode=53759433&fromURL=134.html. Accessed April 19, 2010.
- Champagne BJ, et al. Rectovaginal fistula. The Surgical Clinics of North America. 2010;90:69.
- Burke C. Rectovaginal fistulas. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2005;9:295.
- Welton ML, et al. Anorectum. In: Doherty GM. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Surgery. 13th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5310106. Accessed April 20, 2010.
- Crohn's disease. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns/. Accessed April 20, 2010.
- Fecal incontinence. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/fecalincontinence/. Accessed April 20, 2010.
- Toglia MR. Rectovaginal, anovaginal, and colovesical fistulas. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 19, 2010.
- Andreani SM, et al. Rectovaginal fistula in Crohn's disease. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. 2007;50:2215.
- Novi JM, et al. Rectovaginal fistula. Journal of Pelvic Medicine & Surgery. 2005;11:283.
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