MA Mannan, Bhola: Beauty Begum, 43, a resident of Uttar Pathamari village in Borhanuddin upazila of Bhola district, has finally returned to a normal life after suffering silently from obstetric fistula for nearly 15 years — a painful condition that had left her physically and socially isolated. Her recovery is now being seen as an inspiring example of hope and awareness in the community.

Speaking on Wednesday (March 12), Upazila Family Planning Officer Md. Saiful Islam said the successful treatment of Beauty Begum could help raise awareness about obstetric fistula, a condition that often remains untreated due to shame, poverty, and lack of knowledge.

According to him, Beauty Begum had been living with the condition for around 15 years. A turning point came in November 2025, when a month-long obstetric fistula detection campaign was launched in Borhanuddin upazila. On November 22, a health assistant identified her as a suspected fistula patient after learning about her symptoms.

With the support of CIPRB and UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), she was taken to Bhola District Hospital, where gynecology specialists confirmed the diagnosis after necessary examinations. She was later referred to the National Fistula Center in Dhaka for advanced treatment. Under the supervision of specialist doctors, a successful surgery was performed, and after a long period of suffering, she gradually recovered and returned home.

Beauty Begum said her suffering began nearly 15 years ago while giving birth to her fourth child. Due to prolonged obstructed labour, improper handling by an untrained birth attendant, and delays in taking her to a hospital, she delivered a stillborn baby. Soon afterward, she began to experience serious physical complications.

She said that out of shame, poverty, and lack of awareness, she kept her condition hidden for years. Her clothes would often become wet, she felt embarrassed to appear in public, and gradually stopped attending family and social gatherings. Life became unbearable, and she often spent time alone, crying silently in a corner of her house.

“I never imagined that I would be able to live a normal life again. I am forever grateful to those who found me and arranged my treatment,” she said emotionally.

Now fully recovered, Beauty Begum is living a normal life again, spending time with her family and interacting freely with people — something she describes as a new beginning.

As part of rehabilitation support, the Upazila Family Planning Office handed over a goat to her to help with her livelihood. Overwhelmed with emotion, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in her treatment and recovery.