Challenges and coping mechanisms among women living with unrepaired obstetric fistula in Ethiopia: A phenomenological study.

Women with obstetric fistulas encountered challenges such as a painful social life, impaired marital status, psychological, physical, sexual, and reproductive health problems; and used coping mechanisms with their fistula condition, difficult social life, and impaired marital responsibility that may have an added negative effect on their overall health. Therefore, policymakers need to prioritize the availability and early utilization of obstetric fistula surgery in all settings for all women living with obstetric fistulas to restore their holistic health.