Final answer:
Rectovaginal fistulas can be caused by obstetric trauma during childbirth, particularly in areas with inadequate medical care, and conditions such as endometriosis. Other causes include surgical procedures, inflammatory bowel diseases, radiation therapy, or cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Causes of Rectovaginal Fistulas
Rectovaginal fistulas can be the result of several medical conditions or situations. A key cause is obstetric trauma, such as prolonged or obstructed labor which is often seen in rural or impoverished areas with lack of medical assistance. This can result in tissue damage and the formation of a fistula, which is a passageway that connects the rectum to the vagina.
Another condition that can lead to rectovaginal fistula is endometriosis. This is when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called endometrial tissue, grows outside of it. It can cause inflammation, pain, scarring, and sometimes the formation of a fistula.
Moreover, rectovaginal fistulas may form due to surgical procedures, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease, radiation therapy, or cancer. It's important to diagnose and treat these conditions to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of fistulas.