Genital tract fistulae are abnormal passages or openings between the vagina and the urethra, bladder, ureter or rectum (back passage).

Women with a genital tract fistula may have many of the following symptoms:

  • Continuous urinary leakage from the vagina after trauma or injury
  • Leakage may be continuous or intermittent and can be confused with stress incontinence
  • Foul-smelling or persistent discharge often precedes urinary leakage
  • Vagina smells of urine
  • Voiding small amounts of urine, as bladder never gets full
  • Urinary tract infections; flank pain and/or fevers may be a sign of a kidney infection or an ascending urinary tract infection
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal distention or a small bowel obstruction which could be caused by urine leaking into the abdominal cavity
  • Continuous leakage of faeces from the vagina after trauma or injury (fistula from rectum to vagina)

For more information on assessment and management, please refer to the Patient Information page.