Female genital mutilation is the process of partially and fully removing the external female genitalia for non-medical purposes. It is a serious human rights violation as it can cause significant physical and emotional trauma. There are four types of FGM; clitoridectomy, excision, infibulation, and other female circumcision practices.
Understanding the Terminology
Female Genital Mutilation [FGM], also known as Female Genital Cutting or Female Circumcision refers to all procedures that partially or completely remove external female genitalia for non-medical purposes.
FGM is carried out on minors and women and typically, it is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and social traditions in certain communities. Female circumcision is a human rights violation as it can cause tremendous physical pain, psychological harm, and restrict an individual’s right to health, security, and physical integrity. As a part of the Sustainable Development Goals, the global community has set a target to abolish female genital mutilation by 2030.
How Many Girls/Women are Affected by FGM?
It is estimated that at least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital cutting in 30 countries spanning across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. As the prevalence of FGM/C varies from country to country, some places have higher rates than others.
Additionally, it is estimated that three million girls are at risk of FGM every year, most of whom are under 15 years of age. Female circumcision is largely performed on girls between infancy and adolescence, and sometimes on adults.
Types of Female Genital Mutilation
According to the World Health Organization [WHO], female genital cutting is categorized into four types. They are:
- Clitoridectomy [Type 1]: The partial or complete removal of the clitoris, a highly sensitive and sexually responsive organ.
- Excision [Type 2]: The partial or complete removal of the clitoris along with cutting the labia minora [inner lips].
- Infibulation [Type 3]: The removal of clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora [outer lips]. After the procedure, labia majora is stitched together to create a small/narrow opening for urine and menstrual flow. Infibulation is the most severe and invasive type of FGM.
- Other FGM Practices [Type 4]: This category includes other harmful practices to the female genitalia, like pricking, piercing, scraping, or cauterization [burning or searing]. These procedures are often less extreme in comparison to the three main types of FGM; however, it can still cause significant harm and complications.
It’s important to note that the severity of female circumcision varies as the procedure is not identical and may change according to cultural and religious factors.
Why is Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Done?
As mentioned earlier, female circumcision is deeply intertwined in cultural and religious practices. It doesn’t offer any medical benefits and can cause extreme physical and psychological distress. Typically, this procedure is performed due to a combination of social, cultural, and traditional beliefs. Here are some of the primary reasons why female circumcision is performed:
- Control of Female Sexuality: FGM is sometimes used to control female sexuality and limit sexual pleasure. Some communities believe that as FGM reduces sexual pleasure, it may prevent girls from committing premarital sex or infidelity. In some societies, girls who haven’t undergone circumcision are considered unfit for marriage.
- Social Acceptance: In many communities where FGM is commonly practiced, it is regarded as a rite of passage and cultural tradition. It is often a symbol of a girl’s purity and chastity. Girls who haven’t undergone FGM may be stigmatized or isolated from social events and marriage proposals.
- Hygiene and Aesthetics: Occasionally, FGM/C is performed with the belief that it can enhance female hygiene and aesthetics. Some believe that it makes female genitalia aesthetically pleasing and easier to maintain. They may also believe that it is necessary for childbirth as FGM is believed to prevent complications during labor.
- Religious and Cultural Beliefs: Although FGM is not prescribed by any religion, it is often associated with religious obligations.
- Myths and Misconceptions: In some communities, FGM is performed because it is believed to have medical benefits like reducing the risk of infection and ensuring fertility.
- Social Status: In some communities, FGM/C is a way to earn a badge of honor for the family. Some parents may choose to have their daughter undergo circumcision to earn respect and abide by societal norms.
Complications
Short-Terms Effects of Female Genital Mutilation
Some of the immediate effects of female genital cutting including:
- Pain and Shock
- Swelling and Inflammation
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Difficulty in Urinating
- Difficulty in Menstruation
- Wound Complications
- Painful Intercourse [decreased lubrication, difficulty in penetration, decreased desire]
It is important to note that even the short-term risks of FGM can have lasting consequences for individuals.
Long-Terms Effects of Female Genital Mutilation
- Chronic Pain
- Sexual Dysfunction [reduced sexual desire, difficulty in achieving orgasm, pain during sex]
- Gynecological and Obstetric Complications [obstructed labor, perineal tears, postpartum hemorrhage, prolonged labor, increased chance of C-sections]
- Infections and Urinary Problems [UTI]
- Vaginal Problems [discharge, bacterial vaginosis, and other infections]
- Cyst Formation [formation of cysts, abscesses, and keloid scars]
- Menstrual Problems [painful menstruation, irregular period cycles, difficulty in passing menstrual blood, especially in women with type three FGM].
Related: Menstrual Disorders - Infertility
- Psychological Trauma
- Healthcare Disparities
Opposition and Legal Status
Thanks to widespread awareness and knowledge, opposition to FGM is universal. For several decades, numerous countries and international organizations have strived to oppose and abolish FGM. Some of the ways FGM is stopped are:
- International Agreements: Various international agreements and declarations condemn FGM practices. For instance, the United Nations General Assembly passed unanimously condemned FGM in December 2012. Similarly, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women [CEDAW] openly states FGM as a form of gender-based violence and child abuse.
- National Legislation: Several countries have enforced laws that explicitly prohibit and criminalize female circumcision. These laws often include fines for those who perform or facilitate FGM. As per the World Bank’s “Compendium of International and National Legal Frameworks on Female Genital Mutilation” of 2021, 84 countries across the world enforce domestic legislation that either prohibits FGM or allows FGM to be prosecuted under other laws like criminal or penal code, child protection laws, violence against women, etc.
- National Campaigns and Advocacy: Many countries have initiated national campaigns to raise awareness of the danger of FGM and advocate for its abandonment. Government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders often work together to reform cultural practices. For example, the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation is one of the largest collaborations that works to fasten the elimination of FGM through advocating in 17 countries, namely, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Uganda, Yemen, and more.
- Healthcare and Support: Medical organizations and professionals are actively working to provide medical assistance and emotional support for girls and women who were circumcised.
- Community Education and Empowerment: Without a doubt, community awareness and empowerment are fundamental to eliminating female genital mutilation. These initiatives strive to replace the harmful practices and replace them with healthy alternatives. The Community-Led Alternative Rite of Passage [CLARP] in Kenya is one of the best examples of a community initiative that aims to change perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward FGM.
- Religious Leaders and Clerics: Religious leaders play a crucial role in correcting links between religion and FGM. Often, they provide religious arguments that challenge female circumcision and clear misconceptions that associate FGM with a religious obligation.
- Global Advocacy: Countless international and national NGOs, like UNICEF, UNFPA, Desert Flower Foundation, Orchid Projects, and many more actively advocate against FGM and provide educational resources to spread awareness.
As for the legal status of FGM, it varies from nation to nation. While some countries strictly criminalize the practice, some have legal prohibitions with inconsistent enforcement.
How to Support FGM Survivors?
Supporting the victims of female genital mutilation is essential to help them cope with the physical and emotional trauma. Here are some of the few ways to provide support:
- Provide access to healthcare
- Provide counseling and support
- Provide legal assistance
- Provide education on health and hygiene
- Provide access to social services
- Offer a space and peer support
- Offer skills and livelihood training
- Bring awareness
Surgical Treatment for Female Genital Mutilation
In addition to providing emotional support, women who were circumcised can also get reconstructive surgery if they desire. FGM reconstructive surgery is a medical procedure aimed at restoring the external female genitalia. The goal of the surgery is to improve the physical and psychological wellbeing of circumcised women. Depending on the complexity, FGM reconstructive surgery may include the following procedures:
- Clitoral Restoration: This procedure aims to restore or reconstruct the clitoral hood, and in some cases, the clitoral glands. The purpose of clitoral restoration is to help women regain sensitivity and sexual function.
- Labia Reconstruction: This procedure reconstructs labia minora and labia majora to recreate the natural appearance of a woman’s genitalia.
- Vaginal Opening Repair: In extreme cases of mutilation where a narrow passage is created for childbirth and intercourse, vaginal opening repair can be performed to open widen the vaginal opening and restore its functionality.
It’s important to note that the choice of undergoing FGM reconstructive surgery is a highly personal decision and it should be taken after careful consideration with a qualified doctor. Moreover, results may vary as it’s based on the severity of individual cases.
Get Help with Dr. Mozhgan
In conclusion, female genital mutilation does not offer any benefits and is a serious human rights violation. If you or your loved ones have experienced circumcision, it’s important to seek professional help. Get in touch with Dr. Mozhgan, one of the best OB-GYNS in Dubai. With over 20 years of experience and knowledge, she is well-equipped to treat the condition.
Dr. Mozhgan can perform clitoral restoration, labia reconstruction, and vaginal open repair.
Don’t let anything hold you back, take control of your health today.
FAQs on Female Genital Mutilation
Q1. How does FGM affect pregnancy?
Female genital mutilation can significantly complicate pregnancy. Not only does FGM create risks during labor and birth, but it can also make it difficult to conceive. Infibulation, specifically, can cause complete vaginal obstruction, thus creating a physical barrier to intercourse and childbirth. Women who are infibulated are at a higher risk of prolonged or obstructed labor, C-section, episiotomy, postpartum hemorrhage, and even death of infants.
