Female Genital Mutilation

Question 1

What is female genital mutilation?

Answer 1

All procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia

Question 2

Describe Type 1

Answer 2

Cliterodectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris

Question 3

Describe Type 2

Answer 3

Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minora +/- labia majora

Question 4

Describe Type 3

Answer 4

Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creating of a covering seal from the labia +/- removal of the clitoris

Question 5

Describe Type 4

Answer 5

Other: all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes

Question 6

What is de-infibulation?

Answer 6

The surgical procedure to open up the closed vagina of FGM type 3

Question 7

What is re-infinbulation?

Answer 7

The re-stitching of FGM type 3 to re-close the vagina again after childbirth (illegal in the UK)

Question 8

What are the short term impacts of FGM?

Answer 8

• Severe pain and shock
• Infection
• Injury to adjacent tissues
• Sprains, dislocations, broken bones or internal injuries
• Immediate fatal haemorrhage
• Infection by BBV

Question 9

What are the long term health impacts of FGm?

Answer 9

• Urine retention and difficulties in menstruation
• Uterine, 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 10

What are some of the psychological effects of FGM?

Answer 10

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fear of intimacy
• Loss of trust
• Unresolved anger
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks

Question 11

What are the key risk factors for FGM?

Answer 11

• If the mother, sisters or cousins have undergone FGM
• The mother or father has requested re-infibulation following delivery
• The parents express views which show that they value the practice
• The girl is withdrawn from classes on PSHE