Female Genital Mutilation Flashcards
What is FGM?
the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or injury to other internal female genital organs, for non-medical reasons
Which law made FGM illegal in the UK?
2003 Female Genital Mutilation Act
Explain the classification of FGM
I - Clitoridectomy - partial or total removal of the clitoris
II - Excision: partial or total of the clitoris and labia minora +/- excision of the labia majora
III - Infibulation - Narrowing of the vaginal orifice with the creation of a covering seal by cutting and appositioning of the labia minora and/or labia majora +/- exicision of clitoris
IV - all other harmful procedures to the genitalia for non-medical reasons e.g. pricking, piercing, cauterisation, incising and scraping
What is the prevalence of FGM?
100-140 million girls worldwide are believed to be affected (2 million/year)
In what places is FGM most common?
Africa
Latin America
What is the law regarding FGM in the UK?
− Illegal in the UK
− Illegal to take to another country
− Illegal to assist
− Illegal to assist outside the UK
What are the acute complications of FGM?
- Death
- Blood loss
- Sepsis
- pain
- Urinary retention
- tetanus
- hepatitis
- HIV
(often carried out in unhygienic conditions - shared blades etc.)
What are the long-term sequelae of FGM?
- apareunia
- dyspareunia (most commonly superficial)
- anorgasmia
- sexual dysfunction
- chronic pain
- keloid scar
- Urinary outflow obstruction
- UTIs
- Haematocolpos
- sub fertility
- increased susceptibility to HIV and blood-borne diseases
- emotional trauma (PTSD)
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Difficulty conceiving
What are the complications regarding childbirth with FGM?
- fear of childbirth
- increased risk of CS, PPH, episiotomy, severe vaginal lacerations and fistula
- difficulty with vaginal examinations
- difficulty with catheterisation
- difficulty applying foetal scalp electrodes and performing foetal blood sampling
What is the management of FGM?
Defibulation
