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Female Circumcision

What is female circumcision? Does it have any negative effects?

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Female circumcision, more accurately termed Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), refers to procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is a deeply rooted cultural practice in some parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and it is classified into four major types:

  1. Clitoridectomy: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and, in rare cases, only the prepuce (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris).
  2. Excision: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora.
  3. Infibulation: Narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the clitoris.
  4. Other: All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g., pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterizing the genital area.

Negative Effects of FGM

FGM has numerous immediate and long-term negative effects on physical, psychological, and sexual health. Some of these include:

Immediate Complications

  • Severe pain: The procedure is usually performed without anesthesia, causing extreme pain.
  • Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage): Can lead to severe blood loss.
  • Swelling and inflammation: Of the genital tissues.
  • Infections: Due to unsterile conditions and the use of non-medical instruments.
  • Urinary problems: Difficulty urinating and pain during urination.
  • Wound healing problems: The wounds can heal poorly, leading to further complications.
  • Shock: Can be caused by pain, infection, or hemorrhage.

Long-Term Complications

  • Chronic pain: Persistent pain in the genital area.
  • Infections: Recurrent infections, including urinary tract infections.
  • Scar tissue: Formation of keloids, painful scars that can obstruct the normal functions of the genital organs.
  • Menstrual problems: Difficulty in the flow of menstrual blood.
  • Sexual health issues: Reduced sexual pleasure, pain during intercourse, and potential psychological trauma affecting sexual relationships.
  • Childbirth complications: Increased risk of complications during labor and delivery, including postpartum hemorrhage, obstructed labor, and the need for surgical intervention (e.g., cesarean section).
  • Psychological trauma: Long-lasting psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Impact on Society

  • Gender inequality: FGM is often a manifestation of deeply entrenched gender inequality, discrimination, and a means of controlling women’s sexuality.
  • Educational and economic impacts: Women and girls who have undergone FGM may face barriers to education and economic opportunities due to health complications and societal stigma.

FGM is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights and efforts are ongoing globally to eradicate the practice through education, legislation, and support for affected communities.

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