Female Genital Mutilation

Health Concerns & Conditions

What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
FGM is a procedure where the typical female genitals are cut, injured, or changed for non-medical reasons.

Why is it practised?
FGM is performed in many countries as part of their social norms, and is rooted in gender inequality. It is usually carried out on girls between infancy and the age of 15 (before puberty). The reasons behind the practice vary. Many communities believe that this procedure will ensure a girl’s future marriage, or preserve family honour. FGM is illegal in most countries as a form of child abuse.

Types of FGM
There are four types of FGM:

  • Excision – removing part or all of the clitoris and the inner labia (lips that surround the vagina), with or without removal of the labia majora (larger outer lips)
  • Clitoridectomy – removing the clitoris
  • Prickling, piercing, cutting, scraping or burning the genitalia
  • Infibulation – narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a seal, formed by cutting and repositioning the labia


What are the risks of FGM?
Risks of FGM depend on the severity and the amount of tissue that was damaged.
Post-procedure complications may include:

  • severe pain
  • excessive bleeding (haemorrhage)
  • genital tissue swelling
  • fever
  • infections e.g. tetanus, Hepatitis B and C, gangrene
  • urinary problems
  • wound healing problems
  • injury to surrounding genital tissue
  • shock
  • death

Long-term complications can include:

  • urinary problems (painful urination, urinary tract infections)
  • vaginal problems (discharge, itching, bacterial vaginosis and other infections)
  • menstrual problems (painful menstruations, difficulty in passing menstrual blood, etc.)
  • scar tissue and keloid
  • sexual problems (during arousal and intercourse)
  • increased risk of childbirth complications – in pregnancy the reversal needs to be carried out before 36 weeks gestation as otherwise there will be complications during the birth
  • need for later surgeries - for example, the sealing or narrowing of the vaginal opening may lead to the practice of cutting open the sealed vagina later to allow for sexual intercourse and childbirth (deinfibulation). Sometimes, genital tissue is stitched again several times, including after childbirth, therefore going through repeated opening and closing procedures, further increasing both immediate and long-term risks.
  • mental health problems - the experience can be very traumatic and painful, particularly if performed at a young age where the child does not understand what is happening. A person is more likely to show symptoms of depression and anxiety, anger, poor body image, shame, and in some cases, signs of trauma. It can also impede sexual pleasure, not only because of the physical damage caused but also because of the emotional aspects.


Can the procedure be reversed?
The effects of FGM may be surgically repaired by opening the labia and removing scar tissue. However, sensation cannot be restored.