Female Genital Mutilation

Question 1

What is FGM?

Answer 1

All procedures involving partial or total removal of female external genitalia or other injury to the female organs for non-medical reasons

Question 2

Explain the classification of FGM

Answer 2

I - clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris
II - excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minor +/- excision of the labia majora
III - Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal orifice w creation of a covering seal by cutting and apportioning the labia minora +/- major +/- excision of the clitoris
IV - all other harmful procedures to genitalia incl. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterisation

Question 3

What is the prevalence of FGM?

Answer 3

100-140 million girls worldwide

Question 4

In what places if FGM common?

Answer 4

Africa

Latin America

Question 5

What is the law regarding FGM in the UK

Answer 5

− Illegal in the UK
− Illegal to take to another country
− Illegal to assist
− Illegal to assist outside the UK

Question 6

What are the consequences of FGM for the female

Answer 6

¬	Dyspareunia
¬	Sexual dysfunction with anorgasmia
¬	Chronic pain
¬	Keloid scar formation
¬	Dysmenorrhoea (including haematocolpos - period builds up in uterus)
¬	Urinary outflow obstruction/ recurrent UTI
¬	PTSD
¬	Difficulty conceiving

Question 7

What are the complications regarding childbirth w FGM

Answer 7

Fear of childbirth
•	Increased likelihood of:
−	CS
−	PPH
−	Episiotomy
−	Severe vaginal lacerations
•	Extended hospital stay 
•	Difficulty:
−	Performing vaginal examinations in labour
−	Applying fetal scalp electrodes
−	Performing fetal blood sampling
−	Catheterising

Question 8

What is the management of FGM

Answer 8

defibulation/de-infibulation