Is female circumcision a cause of obstructed labour or obstetric fistula?
Whilst female circumcision is a custom practised in areas where obstetric fistula also occurs, it is not a cause of obstetric fistula. Occasionally the cutting associated with circumcision can damage the bladder and cause incontinence. However, obstetric fistula is the result of damage to the bladder tissue or rectal wall caused by prolonged pressure of the baby’s head against the mother’s pelvic bone. The tissue dies and drops out leaving a fistula or hole.
