FGM

Question 1

What is the definition of 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 cultural or non-medical reasons

Question 2

What are the four types of FGM?

Answer 2

Type 1 – Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris and, in very rare cases, only the prepuce
Type 2 – Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora
Type 3 – Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation 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.
Type 4 – Other: all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterising the genital area.
Re-infibulation (sometimes known as or referred to as reinfibulation or re-suturing): The re-stitching of FGM type 3 to re-close the vagina again after childbirth

Question 3

What is the justification for FGM?

Answer 3

Preservation of virginity and chastity 
Religion, in the mistaken belief that it is a religious requirement 
Social acceptance
Fear of social exclusion 
To ensure the girl is marriageable or to improve marriage prospect
Hygiene and cleanliness 
Increasing sexual pleasure for the male 
Family honour 
Enhancing fertility

Question 4

What are the short term health effects of FGM?

Answer 4

Severe pain and shock 
Infection 
Injury to adjacent tissues 
Sprains, dislocations, broken bones or internal injuries      from being restrained
Immediate fatal haemorrhaging 
Infection by blood borne virus

Question 5

What are the long term effects of FGM?

Answer 5

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 6

What makes a female more at risk of FGM?

Answer 6

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 practice
The girl is withdrawn from all teaching classes on Personal, Social or Health Education