FGM Flashcards
How is female genital mutilation classed?
Types 1-3
Other harmful
What is Type 1 mutilation?
clitoridectomy – removing part or all of the clitoris
What is Type 2 mutilation?
excision – removing part or all of the clitoris, labia minora ± labia majora
What is Type 3 mutilation?
infibulation – narrowing vaginal opening by creating a seal by cutting and repositioning the labia
What are the other harmful procedures in FGM?
pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping, burning
When does FGM occur?
Occurs in young girls’ infancy – age 15, commonly before puberty
o 2% women in London
o Over 100 000 women and girls in England and wales
What are the signs and symptoms of FGM?
Constant pain Dyspareunia Bleeding, cysts, abscesses Incontinence Depression, flashbacks, self-harm
What is the management of FGM?
o Deinfibulation:
Offered to those unable to have sex, pass urine, or pregnant women at risk during delivery
Analgesia to avoid flashbacks
o Must record in notes
o If <18yo -> record in notes (name, DoB, address), report to police and social services
o If >18yo -> record in notes, no obligatory duty to report though -> may offer deinfibulation
What are the complications of FGM?
o Repeated infections → infertility
o Life-threatening complications during labour, childbirth
o Short term – haemorrhage, urinary retention, genital swelling, menstrual difficulties, infertility, HIV, HBV
