Tears of Childbirth
Motherhood is expected to be a time of joy but women often die or develop complications, such as obstetric fistula during the process of child-bearing. Obstetric fistula is regarded as the most devastating of all childbirth related morbidities.
Obstetric fistula patients present for repair surgery with more severe psychological distress than gynecology outpatients. In order to address these mental health concerns, clinicians should engage obstetric fistula patients with targeted mental health interventions.
Women reported many psychological consequences of VVF including depression, feelings of shame, and loneliness. Others reported feeling devalued as a woman and wanting to end their lives
