6 - Violence against women and girls (FGM) Flashcards
define FGM?
all procedures which involve partial/ total removal of female genitalia (or other injury to female genital organs for cultural/non-medical reasons)
what is a possible difference between cosmetic surgery and FGM?
adults choose to carry out cosmetic surgery as they make an informed choice
why does ‘female circumcision’ not equate to FGM?
FGM, when compared to male circumcision, is far more extensive and the impacts are far worse.
how many classes of FGM does the WHO define?
4
descibe type 1 FGM?
clitoridectomy
descibe type 2 FGM?
excision
removal of clitoris and labia minora
describe type 3 FGM?
infibulation
narrowing of vaginal opening by creating seal - pharaonic circumcision
describe type 4 FGM?
all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes
e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterising the genital area
define de-infibulation?
surgical procedure to open up the closed vagina of FGM type 3
define re-infibulation?
re-stitching of FGM type 3 to re-close the vagina again after childbirth
legal stance of re-infibulation?
illegal in the UK as it constitutes FGM
name 5 ‘justifications’ for FGM?
preservation of virginity/ chastity
social acceptance
religious beliefs
hygiene/ cleanliness
family honour
trend in FGM by culture?
Practiced by specific ethnic groups/tribes, not whole countries -
exists in some western, central and eastern african countries
(also Iran and Yemen)
describe 3 short-term health impacts?
immediate fatal haemorrhaging
infection by blood borne virus
severe pain and shock
describe 3 long-term health impacts?
urine retention and difficulties in menstruation
cysts and neuromas
sexual dysfunction
