We want children too: fertility desire of women with obstetric fistula in North-West Nigeria

Hadizah Adeoti, University of Ibadan
Obioma C. Uchendu, University of Ibadan

Introduction: Extensive scarring within the reproductive tract from obstetric fistula and its repair predisposes sufferers to infertility. In Africa, the cultural value attached to children is responsible for the high fertility rate and stigma associated with infertility. Women with obstetric fistula are not left out of this desire to have children. This study assessed the fertility desires of women with obstetric fistula. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 420 women with obstetric fistula attending fistula repair centers in North West Nigeria. Results: Seventy-four percent of women with fistula desired to have children. About half (51.4%) of the respondents wanted to get pregnant two years from the time of the study. Divorced women were more likely to want more children than married respondents. Conclusion: Women with obstetric fistula have high fertility desire and will benefit from fertility based intervention and educational programs at the fistula repair centres.