By Ruth Serwaa Asare
A Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Urogynaecologist, Dr. David Kupualor, has cautioned women against keeping urine in their bladder for long periods, warning that it can cause a foul smell and worsen certain health conditions such as obstetric fistula.
Speaking at the Maternal Health Summit 2025 held at the UGMC Simulation Centre in Accra, Dr. Kupualor explained that urine retention and dehydration can lead to the formation of concentrated urine, which emits a strong stench and irritates tissues in the pelvic region.
“When urine becomes very concentrated, it melts and gives a very bad stench even when women are in the midst of people,” he said. “We therefore encourage women, especially those with fistulas, to drink a lot of water to make their urine dilute and less offensive.”
Dr. Kupualor further noted that women who develop obstetric fistulas often struggle with continuous leakage of urine through the vagina, which not only causes discomfort but also exposes them to rashes, infections, and social stigma.
He emphasized that avoiding water intake to stay dry only worsens their condition. “Some of the women with fistula stop drinking water, thinking it will help reduce leakage. But that rather makes the urine concentrated and irritates the tissues, leading to what we call ammoniacal dermatitis — painful rashes around the vulva and perineum,” he explained. He also shared that in severe cases, lack of hydration can lead to bladder stone formation, which complicates fistula repair and recovery.
Dr. Kupualor stressed the importance of public education and community engagement in preventing obstetric fistula, particularly by improving access to quality emergency obstetric care and discouraging harmful traditional practices.
He called on Ghanaians to play an active role in creating awareness and supporting affected women, adding that “understanding these issues is the first step towards helping our mothers live with dignity and confidence.”
