Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes procedures that intentionally alter or injure female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is internationally recognized as a violation of a woman’s human rights to health, security, and physical integrity. The practice is typically performed on young girls, often between infancy and age 15. FGM has no health benefits and is known to cause severe physical and psychological harm.
Immediate Health Consequences
The moments and weeks following the procedure are fraught with severe health risks. Intense pain and psychological shock are universal experiences for girls undergoing FGM. The use of unsterilized instruments, often by traditional practitioners with no medical training, creates a high risk of infections such as tetanus and sepsis.
Excessive bleeding, or hemorrhage, is a common and immediate danger that can lead to shock and, in some cases, death. Following the procedure, many girls experience acute urine retention due to tissue swelling, pain, and blockage of the urethra. These immediate complications are exacerbated by the often unsanitary conditions and lack of medical oversight.
Chronic Physical Health Complications
In the years following the procedure, women and girls can experience a range of persistent physical health issues. Chronic pain in the genital area is a frequent complaint, stemming from nerve damage and the development of hardened scar tissue. The scarring can also obstruct the urinary tract, leading to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and painful urination.
Menstrual problems are another common long-term consequence. The formation of scar tissue can impede the normal flow of menstrual blood, causing severe pain and prolonged periods. Over time, trapped fluids can lead to the formation of dermoid cysts and abscesses, which are painful collections of pus requiring medical intervention.
Impact on Sexual Health and Childbirth
The consequences of FGM extend into a woman’s sexual and reproductive life. Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) is a common result of scar tissue and the narrowing of the vaginal opening. This physical pain, combined with psychological trauma, often leads to decreased sexual desire and can prevent orgasmic function.
Childbirth presents another set of heightened risks. Women who have undergone FGM, particularly infibulation, face an increased likelihood of prolonged and obstructed labor. This can necessitate emergency Cesarean sections and increases the risk of severe perineal tears during delivery. These complications also elevate the danger of postpartum hemorrhage and the risk of death for both mother and newborn.
Psychological Trauma
The psychological impact of FGM is as significant as the physical damage. Many survivors experience long-term mental health conditions like depression, chronic anxiety, and panic attacks. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common diagnosis, with symptoms including recurring nightmares and flashbacks to the event.
These psychological effects are often compounded by feelings of incompleteness or a damaged sense of self. The physical scars serve as a constant reminder of the trauma, leading to low self-esteem and a fear of sexual intimacy. The betrayal of trust by family members who facilitated the procedure can also result in long-lasting emotional difficulties.
Management and Surgical Interventions
Medical care can address some physical complications from FGM. For women who have undergone infibulation, a surgical procedure called deinfibulation can be performed. This involves cutting the scar tissue sealing the vaginal orifice, which can alleviate urine retention, menstrual obstruction, and make intercourse and childbirth safer.
In some cases, women may seek clitoral reconstructive surgery. This procedure aims to restore a more normal genital anatomy by uncovering remaining clitoral tissue to create a neoclitoris. While the surgery can help restore a sense of physical wholeness and potentially some sensation, outcomes for sexual function vary among individuals.