Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting and female circumcision, is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. It is estimated that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation in the countries where the practice is concentrated. Furthermore, there are an estimated 3 million girls at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation every year. The majority of girls are cut before they turn 15 years old.

Effects Of Female Genital Mutilation “The Cut”

Female sexual health: removal of, or damage to highly sensitive genital tissue, especially the clitoris, may affect sexual sensitivity and lead to sexual problems, decreased sexual desire and pleasure, pain during sex, difficulty during penetration, decreased lubrication during intercourse, reduced or absence of orgasm. Scar formation, pain and traumatic memories associated with the procedure can also lead to such problems as:

Obstetric complications: FGM is associated with an increased risk of Caesarean section, post-partum hemorrhage, recourse to episiotomy, difficult labour, obstetric tears/lacerations, instrumental delivery, prolonged labour, and extended maternal hospital stay.

Perinatal risks: obstetric complications can result in a higher incidence of infant resuscitation at delivery and intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal death.

Psychological consequences: of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders and depression. 

Shock: can be caused by pain, infection and/or hemorrhage.

Genital tissue swelling: due to inflammatory response or local infection.

Infections: may spread after the use of contaminated instruments (e.g. use of same instruments in multiple genital mutilation operations), and during the healing period.

FGM is often linked to virginity and being faithful during marriage. The damage to the genitalia means the chance of a woman having illicit sexual relations is reduced – be. cause her libido is decreased, and the opening is too narrow. Femininity and modesty can be a factor.