A vaginal fistula is an abnormal opening that connects your vagina to another organ, such as your bladder or intestines. It most often happens because of tissue damage that can result from any of the following:
- Abdominal surgery (hysterectomy or C-section)
- Pelvic, cervical, or colon cancer
- Radiation treatment
- Bowel disease like Crohn’s or diverticulitis
- Infection (including after an episiotomy -- a tear -- you had when you gave birth)
- Traumatic injury, such as from a car accident