Anal fistulas may cause pain during bowel movements. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Fistulas involving the vagina may cause pain during sexual intercourse. [3] X Research source
If you have a vaginal fistula, you may have vaginal discharge that contains pus or feces. You might also notice gas leakage from your vagina.
Difficulty holding your urine, or leakage of urine from unusual places (e. g. , your vagina). The passage of gas from your urethra (the opening between your bladder and your genitals) when you pee. Discolored, cloudy, or bad-smelling urine.
Fever. Chills. Fatigue. A general feeling of being ill.
Any symptoms you are currently experiencing. Your overall health history and any other medical conditions you may have. Any medications you are currently taking.
For suspected vaginal fistulas, your doctor may perform a pelvic exam and use a speculum to look inside your vagina. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source For fistulas involving the anus or rectum, the doctor may need to feel the inside of your rectum digitally (with their gloved fingers) or look inside your anus and rectum with an instrument called an anoscope. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Anal fistulas may be visible externally as openings in the skin around your anus. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
X-rays of the rectum, urinary tract, and genitals. You will need to take an injection or enema made of a contrast material (such as barium or radioactive iodine) in order to make any possible fistulas visible on the X-rays. CT-scans or MRIs. An ultrasound of the anus or vagina.
Most commonly, colonoscopies are performed under “conscious sedation. ” This means that you will be semi-conscious during the procedure, but should not feel any major discomfort.
Double-dye tests are used to pinpoint the location of fistulas between the vagina and the urinary tract. [14] X Research source Blue dye tests check for fistulas between the rectum and vagina. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Biopsy of your bowel tissue to check for Crohn’s disease. [16] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Tests to check the strength and function of your rectum and sphincter. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
A small catheter inserted into the fistula to drain any infected material, blockages, or built up fluid. Antibiotics to treat infection. Surgery to repair the fistula. The use of special medicinal glues or other materials (such as collagen) to seal or fill the fistula. For fistulas between the anus and the surface of the skin, it may be possible to encourage the fistula to heal by making a small incision in the skin and muscle over the fistula. [19] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
You may have IBD if you experience persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, bloody stools, fever, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. Diverticulitis, a condition in which small pockets form in the colon and become inflamed or infected, can also lead to fistulas. [21] X Research source
Call your OB-GYN right away if you have recently given birth and are experiencing any symptoms of an infection or fistula, such as fever, pain, or bad-smelling discharge.
Injuries due to radiation therapy may take a long time to develop. If you’ve had pelvic radiation treatment, you may develop a fistula 6 months to 2 years later. Some types of sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and HIV, may put you at greater risk of developing a fistula. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
