For a 16-year-old Mary Atieno (not her real name), life changed unexpectedly after the birth of her child on 15 February 2025. What should have been a joyful season quickly turned into months of physical discomfort, emotional distress, and social isolation.

Five days after being discharged from hospital following delivery, Mary began experiencing abnormal symptoms. She found herself unable to control the passage of urine and stool. At times, even gas would pass uncontrollably through her vagina, a condition that left her confused, embarrassed, and deeply distressed.

“I could not move freely,” she shared. “If I had to go somewhere urgently, I had to wear pads. Most of the time, I just stayed indoors because I feared embarrassment.”

The condition affected her daily life significantly. She stopped running errands and avoided social gatherings due to the discomfort and stigma associated with the symptoms.

After opening up to her mother about her struggles, she was advised to seek treatment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). She attended the General Outpatient Clinic (GOPC), where she underwent screening. Doctors confirmed that she had suffered a third-degree tear during delivery that had not healed properly.

Mary was later contacted by Dr. Atolo, who informed her about the upcoming fistula camp and booked her for corrective surgery.

On March 2nd 2026, she successfully underwent surgery during the ongoing fistula camp at JOOTRH. Now recovering, Mary says she is hopeful and looking forward to returning to her normal daily routines without fear or shame.

She is encouraging other young women facing similar symptoms not to suffer in silence.

“This condition is treatable,” she says. “Let no one hide. Come out and seek medical attention .”

Her story is one of resilience and a reminder that obstetric fistula, though devastating, is repairable, and with timely medical intervention, dignity can be restored.