Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Overview
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but there's no medical reason for this to be done.
Causes
FGM is carried out for various cultural, religious and social reasons within families and communities in the mistaken belief that it will benefit the girl in some way (for example, as a preparation for marriage or to preserve her virginity). But there are no acceptable reasons that justify FGM. It's a harmful practice that has no health benefits. FGM usually happens to girls whose mothers, grandmothers or extended female family members have had FGM themselves, or if their father comes from a community where it's carried out.
Treatment
Surgery can be performed to open up the vagina, if necessary. This is called deinfibulation. It's sometimes known as a reversal, although this name is misleading as the procedure does not replace any removed tissue and will not undo the damage caused. But it can help many problems caused by FGM. Surgery may be recommended for: women who are unable to have sex or have difficulty peeing as a result of FGMpregnant women at risk of problems during labour or delivery as a result of FGM Deinfibulation should be carried out before getting pregnant, if possible. It can be done in pregnancy or labour if necessary, but ideally should be done before the last 2 months of pregnancy. The surgery involves making a cut (incision) to open the scar tissue over the entrance to the vagina. It's usually performed underlocal anaestheticin a clinic and you will not normally need to stay overnight. A small number of women need either ageneral anaestheticor an injection in the back(epidural), which may involve a short stay in hospital.