Vaginal Diseases—Fistulas

A fistula is an abnormal connection between two parts inside of the body. Fistulas may develop between different organs, such as between the esophagus and the windpipe or the bowel and the vagina. They can also develop between two blood vessels, such as between an artery and a vein or between two arteries.

Some people are born with a fistula. Other common causes of fistulas include

• Complications from surgery
• Injury
• Infection
• Diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

Treatment depends on the cause of the fistula, where it is, and how bad it is. Some fistulas will close on their own. In some cases, you may need antibiotics and/or surgery.

• Fistula (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Gastrointestinal fistula (Medical Encyclopedia)

Vaginal problems are some of the most common reasons women go to the doctor. They may have symptoms such as

• Itching
• Burning
• Pain
• Abnormal bleeding
• Discharge

One common problem is vaginitis, an inflammation of the vagina. Other problems that affect the vagina include sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. Treatment of vaginal problems depends on the cause.

• Bartholin cyst or abscess (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Imperforate hymen (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Vaginal cysts (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Vaginal dryness (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Vaginal itching and discharge – Adult and adolescent (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Vaginal itching and discharge – child (Medical Encyclopedia)