Female Genital Mutilation

Question 1

define female genital mutilation

Answer 1

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons.

Question 2

describe type 1 FGM

Answer 2

• Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris and, in very rare cases, only the prepuce (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris).

Question 3

describe type 2 FGM

Answer 3

Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora.

Question 4

describe type 3 FGM

Answer 4

Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creating of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner, or outer, labia, with or without removal of the clitoris. Sometimes referred to as Pharaonic circumcision.

Question 5

describe type 4 FGM

Answer 5

Other: all other harmful procedures to the femal genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterising the genital area.

Question 6

What does De-infibulation refer to?

Answer 6

FGM reversal: the surgical procedure to open up the closed vagina of FGM type 3.

Question 7

what does re-infibulation refer to?

Answer 7

• the re-stitching of FGM type 3 to re-close the vagina again after childbirth
• re-infibulation is illegal in the UK as it constitutes FGM

Question 8

who performs FGM?

Answer 8

• Most often carried out by traditional cutters or ‘circumcisers’.
• These women will often have a very respected role within the community.
• The role is often passed down from mother to daughter.
• Some will have other important roles e.g. childbirth attendants

But

• More than 18% of all FGM is performed by healthcare providers
• Increasing trend towards medicalisation appearing (including in countries where there are laws against FGM)

Question 9

what are the short-term complications/impact of FGM?

Answer 9

• severe pain and shock
• infection
• injury to adjacent tissues
• sprains, dislocations, broken bones or internal injuries from being restrained
• immediate fatal haemorrhage
• infection by blood borne virus

Question 10

what are the long-term complications/impact of FGM?

Answer 10

• urine retention and difficulties in menstruation
• uterus, vaginal and pelvic infections
• cysts and neuromas
• complications in pregnancy and childbirth
• increased risk of fistula
• on-going impact of trauma/PTSD
• sexual dysfunction

Question 11

A girl should be viewed as at increased risk of FGM if:

Answer 11

• mother has had FGM
• an older sister or cousins have undergone FGM
• the mother (and/or father) has requested re-infibulation following delivery
• the parents express views which show that they value the practise
• the girl is withdrawn from all teaching classes on Personal, Social or Health education
• they are from a community that is less integrated into British society.