Constantly in pain, incontinent of urine and feces, bearing a heavy burden of sadness in discovering their child stillborn, ashamed of a rank personal offensiveness, abandoned therefore by their husbands, outcasts of society, they live, they exist, without friends and without hope.
– Reginald Hamlin & Catherine Nicholson, 1966

Nearly half a century later, that scenario of obstetric fistula continues to haunt the humanity and has been aptly termed ‘the scandal of the century’.

Between 2 and 3 million women, mostly in Africa, are in need of surgical repair with about 130,000 new patients being added annually.

This colossal embarrassment of our male dominated society will not be solved unless we address the root causes of lack of empowerment. In these societies, a woman’s low socioeconomic status and illiteracy often lead to child marriage followed by early pregnancy. The lack of obstetric care causes obstructed labor and ultimately complex injuries to vagina, bladder and rectum. In the worst case maternal death – which needlessly claims one woman a minute.

Unfortunately our developed world with its economic clout is not willing to come up with any significant help to emancipate the young women of the developing world with education and empowerment, nor with help in providing effective systems of maternal health care. Thus safe motherhood has largely become an orphan initiative.

Historically however we owe it to the African women for our knowledge and surgical technical developments in repairing these injuries. These surgeries were mostly initiated in the US through painful and degrading experiments on the enslaved women in the antebellum south in the 19th century. Those slaves from Africa sacrificed their dignity in muted agony without consent to the extremely painful experiments enforced upon them without anesthesia by racist white physicians and slave owners.

And now after centuries, our complacency in extending any helping hand to the African women is unacceptable and disgraceful.

Watch a webcast of my presentation Vesico-vaginal Fistula Management: A Tribute to Anarcha, Betsy, Lucy and the Hamlins at the 4th International Congress on the History of Urology.

– Sakti Das, 2009.

  • Comment & Share! Use the links to leave your comments/thoughts and share this with others. You can also contact me using the ‘Contact’ links.

MORE INFO & RESOURCES…

“A Walk to Beautiful” – Emmy Award winning feature-length documentary tells the stories of five Ethiopian women who suffer from devastating childbirth injuries and embark on a journey to reclaim their lost dignity. Rejected by their husbands and ostracized by their communities, these women are left to spend the rest of their lives in loneliness and shame. They make the choice to take the long and arduous journey to the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in search of a cure and a new life. [PBS/Nova]

LINKS

31 thoughts on “My Painful Musings on the Suffering of the African Woman from Obstetric Fistula”

  6. Аренда инструмента предоставляет множество преимуществ, особенно для тех, кто редко использует специализированные инструменты или не хочет тратить деньги на их покупку. Вот несколько преимуществ аренды инструмента

    прокат аренда без залога https://prokat888.ru/.

  7. Прокат инструмента становится все более популярным вариантом для многих людей и компаний, которые нуждаются в использовании инструментов в течение определенного времени. Вместо покупки дорогостоящего инструмента, многие предпочитают арендовать его на необходимый срок. В этой статье мы рассмотрим несколько преимуществ проката инструмента.

    аренда строительного электроинструментаэлектроинструмента https://www.prokat888.ru.

  8. Арендовать инструмента в Освоиться с инструментом без излишних затрат доступны новейшие модели Лучшее решение для Надежный инструмент выгодно в нашем сервисе
    Аренда инструмента для задач
    Экономьте деньги на покупке инструмента с нашими услугами проката
    Правильное решение для У вашей компании нет инструмента? Не проблема, в нашу компанию за инструментом!
    Освойте новые умения с качественным инструментом из нашего сервиса
    Арендовать инструмента для строительных работ
    Не расходуйте деньги на покупку инструмента, а Надежный инструмент для любых задач в наличии
    Разнообразие инструмента для выполнения различных работ
    Профессиональная помощь в выборе нужного инструмента от специалистов нашей компании
    Сэкономьте с услугами Арендовать инструмента для строительства дома или квартиры
    Наша команда – профессиональный партнер в аренде инструмента
    Профессиональный инструмент для ремонтных работ – в нашем прокате инструмента
    Сомневаетесь в правильности выбора? Мы поможем с советом инструмента в нашем сервисе.
    прокат инструмента прокат инструмента в перми.

  10. Lorsque vous avez des doutes sur les activités de vos enfants ou sur la sécurité de leurs parents, vous pouvez pirater leurs téléphones Android à partir de votre ordinateur ou appareil mobile pour assurer leur sécurité. Personne ne peut surveiller 24 heures sur 24, mais il existe un logiciel d’espionnage professionnel qui peut secrètement surveiller les activités des téléphones Android sans les en informer.

  11. Pingback: bola 808
  12. Pingback: champignon hallucinogène nocivite
  13. Pingback: แทงบอล
  15. Pingback: วิธีดู ราคาบอลไหล
  16. Pingback: รับสั่งทำเค้ก
  17. Pingback: ปั้มติดตาม
  18. Pingback: ซื้อหวยลาว ออกรางวัลวันไหนบ้าง ออกเวลากี่โมง ?
  21. Pingback: Buy Injectable Steroids Online

  22. what is priligy According to the most recent American Thyroid Association ATA guidelines, the recommended initial dose is 200 to 400 mcg IV once lower dose for elderly, or underlying cardiac disease or arrhythmia with some reports up to 500 mcg

  24. volvulus adults also harbor Wolbachia endosymbionts buy augmentin online ireland alesse ciprofloxacino nombres comerciales The lawsuit also alleges that the California Public Employees Retirement System Calpers and the California State Teachers Retirement System Calstrs lost nearly 600 million after investing in those securities by partly relying on S P s ratings

  25. Grasp the shape using decrease weights or use one of many above variations before going too
    heavy to get essentially the most out of the exercise and avoid injury.
    Hit your inner pecs with out cable crossovers – no cable
    machine? Work your inside pecs with close grip dumbbell presses to improve the depth
    and shape of your chest. The close grip bench press may be done in quite a
    lot of methods to fit your capacity degree. Please
    note that, for safety’s sake, a spotter or smith machine is always instructed.

    Both workout routines supply a extensive range of variations and progressions to challenge yourself and hold your exercises fascinating.

    Regardless of which exercise you select, proper form is essential
    for maximizing outcomes and minimizing the risk of injury.

    After all, success leaves clues, and tens of millions of lifters have
    built impressive muscle dimension and strength with
    these two moves. However, regardless of this, most people need more variety of their workouts.

    When it involves building greater pecs or increasing upper physique energy, most people’s go-to exercise is
    the bench press. It’s a popular train with bodybuilders and powerlifters and is even a half of the NFL mix.
    Monday is laughingly often known as National Bench Press Day,
    and a lot of exercisers like to start out their training week with this traditional
    barbell transfer. A closer grip can ease the discomfort many lifters
    really feel in their shoulders when utilizing conventional presses.
    A narrower grip not solely reduces strain on the shoulder but additionally permits lifters to
    bench a heavier load.
    The push press is a superb train focusing on the triceps & shoulders.
    Like the close-grip bench press, the push press depends closely on triceps lockout
    strength. This train can also be used to stress the triceps
    to strengthen elbow extension and lock performance.

    Weighted dips are a compound motion focusing on the triceps, chest, and shoulders.
    The train entails reducing the body whereas supporting weight on parallel bars before
    pushing again to the beginning place. The triceps are extremely engaged as
    the elbows prolong, significantly in the lockout part.

    Triceps development is essential for both energy and aesthetics.

    Two of the preferred workout routines for building greater and
    stronger triceps are weighted dips and the close-grip bench press.
    To maximize its strength and muscle-building potential, don’t bounce the bar off your chest for momentum.

    Patrick Dale, PT, ex-Marine, is a Coaching Editor with 30 years of experience in Private Coaching and Strength &
    Conditioning. A former British Royal Marine, gym proprietor, and fitness qualifications
    assessor, he is dedicated to delivering informative, dependable content.
    In addition, Patrick is an experienced writer who has authored three health and train books, dozens of e-books,
    thousands of articles, and a number of other health movies.

    He’s not just an armchair health skilled; Patrick practices what he preaches!
    He has competed at a excessive degree in numerous
    sports activities, together with rugby, triathlon, rock climbing, trampolining, powerlifting, and, most just lately, stand up paddleboarding.

    When not lecturing, coaching, researching, or writing,
    Patrick is busy enjoying the sunny climate
    of Cyprus, the place he has lived for the last 20-years.
    1– Sit on the tip of an exercise bench with a dumbbell in each hand.

    Lie down on the bench along with your feet firmly planted on the ground.
    Your eyes should be roughly consistent with the barbell when it’s above your higher chest.

    Keep your shoulder blades pinched together and
    preserve a slight arch in your lower back. This body position will present a secure base so that you just can perform the exercise effectively.
    Every person’s body sort, anatomy, physique levers, and muscle
    bellies and insertions differ. Some lifters naturally bench wider, some nearer, and a few even choose reverse
    grip presses. Some individuals could naturally gravitate toward dumbbells,
    while others will decide the barbell because it really works higher for their our bodies.

    It can also be a great option for people with shoulder problems, as it could help cut
    back stress on the shoulders. Nevertheless, it is necessary to
    observe that the close grip bench press doesn’t work the
    chest as much because the regular bench press. So, if you’re trying to
    build a giant chest, you should also include regular bench presses in your routine.
    The shut grip dumbbell press, also referred to as the crush press, is a chest and triceps-focused train.

    References:

    Real Anabolic Steroids Online

  31. With EQ being such a slow-acting steroid, this is one that we need to run for lengthy cycles.
    At the very minimal, I go for 20 weeks, but 24 weeks or more is typical, and people of us who love
    EQ will often be found working it long-term. With EQ’s lower
    androgenic score, ladies will usually take round 50mg/week
    and be ready to hold virilizing effects at bay, with some known to take as
    much as mg. Some girls will use Boldenone Cypionate as an alternative of the more widespread
    and slower-acting Boldenone Undecylenate ester, so if unwanted effects happen, the steroid leaves the body
    quicker. But as at all times, beginning with a moderate dose is the most effective method when using Boldenone for the primary time until you know how YOU reply to it.
    Equipoise is well known for enhancing power, endurance, and different
    efficiency measures in humans, making it an attractive PED for athletes.
    Baseball, tennis, and martial arts are all sports activities
    the place a number of professionals have tested constructive for
    using Boldenone.
    Once More, these will develop rapidly and severely in some people, whereas others won’t have pimples.
    This is also considered genetics, so if you’ve been acne-prone in the past, there’s
    a high likelihood you’ll develop this aspect impact when using
    Anavar. In Distinction To baldness, which is usually everlasting until
    handled, pimples ought to be reduced and clear when you cease using Anavar.
    One Other Anavar stack for men is a pure slicing cycle and consists of one other cutting-specialist steroid
    in Winstrol. Winstrol is amongst the greatest cutting compounds obtainable,
    and when mixed with Anavar, it proves to be a potent duo for ultimate shredding.
    Regardless of what you’re stacking Anavar with, the cycle length
    of this steroid ought to nonetheless be no longer than eight weeks.

    If you are going to stack Anavar, we suggest utilizing it with different
    cutting steroids like Winstrol, Clenbuterol, and Testosterone.
    If you are figuring out two occasions per week – we advocate beginning with 50mg of Anavar per day.
    For instance, in case you are figuring out four times per week – we advocate starting with 20mg
    of Anavar per day. If you’re understanding greater than 3 times per week,
    we recommend starting at the decrease finish of the dosage vary.
    If you’re understanding 3 times per week or much less, you can start on the greater finish of the dosage vary.

    Utilizing Primo for chopping will harden your muscles, improve vascularity, and help
    protect your present muscle tissue while weight-reduction plan.
    Being a well-tolerated and relatively gentle steroid, we don’t run into the same forms of
    dangers when working a few of the harsher steroids for cycles of that length.
    Though injectable Primo is the extra well-liked form, it’s value noting that oral Primobolan just isn’t a c17-alpha alkylated steroid, so it doesn’t carry the identical liver toxicity risks as many other orals.
    The use of any banned substance, including Anavar, is not beneficial for athletic performance enhancement.
    The drug can have serious unwanted side effects, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances.

    To prolong the shelf life of your Anavar (liquid and oral), you need to
    deal with its proper storage, repackaging, and use of preservatives.
    These three sub-sections will prove to be a sensible solution to take care of the efficiency, effectiveness,
    and safety of your Anavar for an extended interval.
    Chemical composition might have changed, upping the probabilities of side
    effects like liver harm or toxicity. There is also coronary heart issues, hormonal disturbances,
    and extreme withdrawal symptoms. Disintegration Take A Look At with USP Equipment II requires the tablet to disintegrate inside 20
    minutes. Dissolution Take A Look At with USP Equipment I or II requires the
    pill to dissolve inside a specified time period (usually no
    much less than 80% in 30 minutes).
    Thus, an incremental dosing strategy can improve fat loss all through the cycle.
    Andriol is the brand name for oral testosterone, also identified as testosterone undecanoate.
    The drawback to oral testosterone is that it is notably more expensive than injectable testosterone.
    With Anavar also being a costly compound, this cycle can cost tons of of dollars.
    This stack will significantly improve muscle-building
    and energy results in comparison with an Anavar-only cycle.
    Testosterone will produce vital increases in muscle hypertrophy and
    strength, therefore why it is known as a bulking steroid.
    This cycle is often solely utilized by men as a outcome of testosterone inflicting virilization unwanted
    effects in girls.
    Nonetheless, is good to know that the half life time is different from an individual to a different.
    Although generally that’s 9-10 hours,
    depending on the age and liver well being (mainly, but other elements too),
    the half life may be from 8 as a lot as 13 hours or so.

    Nonetheless, we must always have began by mentioning the half life of Anavar – Oxandrolone.
    Plus to that, though Anavar is traceable on anti doping exams (drug tests) for about four weeks, it positively
    doesn’t imply it would keep active in your physique
    for that long.
    We find that if junk meals are consumed during a cycle, sodium ranges will rise, causing water
    retention. This can inhibit Anavar’s diuretic effects, causing the muscles to appear more
    and more clean and cut back muscle definition, striations, and
    vascularity. Calorie intake must be tailored to a user’s aims when cycling Anavar.
    Therefore, if Anavar is taken with the intention of bulking
    and gaining lean mass, then a small calorie surplus could
    also be adopted to reinforce muscle and energy results.
    Our female sufferers have reported feeling
    depressed and have skilled low libido upon cycle
    cessation. Dave Crosland, the founder of Crosland’s Hurt Discount Companies, has also found testosterone
    and estrogen levels to be poor in females post-Anavar (24).

    The increase in nitrogen production additionally increases
    protein storage as a end result of larger testosterone levels.
    What the physique does sometimes with testosterone
    is compounded upon and multiplied with greater doses of
    Testosterone Enanthate. Testosterone Enanthate is the most popular ester variant of the testosterone steroid.

    It has a half-life of about 8 to 10 days and is a slow-release testosterone steroid
    used in an injectable kind both for efficiency enhancement or as a
    TRT. On the plus facet, Primobolan doesn’t include the estrogenic unwanted
    aspect effects so frequent with many different steroids,
    like water retention and gyno.
    Anavar is an anabolic steroid generally utilized in bodybuilding
    for its capability to burn fat and enhance muscle mass rapidly.
    It has a half-life of 8 hours which implies it takes around 8 hours for the drug
    to be lowered by half its unique dose. General, Anavar is
    an artificial steroid designed to advertise lean muscle mass and stop muscle losing.
    It is a gentle steroid that produces fewer unwanted aspect effects than other steroids,
    however it is still a powerful drug that must be used with
    caution. Nonetheless, it should be remembered that nearly all male Deca-Durabolin customers are stacking it with a helpful amount of testosterone, which can boost those
    muscle and strength features. All in all, Deca-Durabolin is among
    the most positively talked about steroids.
    Anavar is taken into account one of the mildest oral steroids in phrases of hepatotoxicity.
    However, excessive or extended use of Anavar can still
    have opposed effects on liver health. It is crucial to adhere to recommended dosage guidelines and monitor liver operate often when using
    Anavar or some other oral steroid. Anavar is an oral
    steroid that is wonderful for enhancing the metabolic price and lipolysis.
    Adding an oral steroid to this cycle raises the question of potential liver stress;
    however, Anavar at decrease doses is not considered such a excessive threat in this
    regard.
    Additionally, it is important to take a break of no
    less than 4 weeks before beginning one other Anavar
    cycle to keep away from long-term damage to the
    liver and other organs. When utilized in large doses, Anavar could cause a
    rise in the stage of the hormone estrogen within the physique.
    Taking this into consideration, it’s totally attainable that LGD-4033 could doubtlessly also exhibit some extent of liver toxicity at dosages higher than the 1 mg
    trialed where they assessed those health markers.

    References:

    Best steroids to Bulk up

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *