Did you develope a fistula after childbirth? Share your experience here.

Hi Teresa,
I didn't develop a fistula directly after childbirth but developed a fissure 5 years on, then an abscess and then a fistula as a result of the abscess.
My CRS advised me that childbirth and the consequent tearing of the perineum (third degree) and the whole area may well have weakened the anal area, which would have increased the risk of getting a fissure more easily.
The fistula however, came as a result of an abscess, which I can't imagine would be particularly related to childbirth, since they stem from infected glands/ skin in the anal area. Some fissures develop fistulas if they become infected but I don't know if there is a direct link between childbirth and fistulas. I think it's unlikely and from what I've researched, those most highly at risk from fistulas are individuals with Chrons' (50% risk) HIV & other IBD's and interestingly, (& allegedly, higher fistula rates in men than women!)