FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The procedures range from a clitoridectomy to excision, and infibulation.
Long-term Consequences
Women who have experienced genital mutilation often suffer long-term problems, including:
- urinary problems (painful urination, urinary tract infections);
- vaginal problems (discharge, itching, bacterial vaginosis and other infections);
- menstrual problems (painful menstruations, difficulty in passing menstrual blood, etc.);
- scar tissue and keloid;
- sexual problems (pain during intercourse, decreased satisfaction, etc.);
- increased risk of childbirth complications (difficult delivery, excessive bleeding, caesarean section, need to resuscitate the baby, etc.) and newborn deaths;
- psychological problems (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, etc.); health complications of female genital mutilation.