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Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

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Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Abstract

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) refers to the partial or near-complete removal or alteration of female external genitalia. It is a centuries-old tradition in many parts of the world, and over 125 million women have undergone this ritual in 29 countries in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and it has a long-standing history. FGM/C is mostly motivated by culture and encompasses a range of procedures designed to alter the female anatomy for purposes of marriageability and social acceptance. Most commonly performed between infancy and early teen years, the procedure offers no health benefits but may have serious psychological and medical consequences for girls and women. Obstetrical and gynecological complications are common and range from labor complications to infertility and chronic dyspareunia. Women’s healthcare providers practicing in the United States and abroad must be able to at least recognize, refer, and possibly manage patients who have undergone FGM/C. This chapter reviews the epidemiology, clinical examination, and WHO staging of FGM/C, as well as options for the management of sequelae.

Research on FGM/C is notably limited, and prevalence statistics generally come from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICF). Wherever possible, data and citations come from reliable and/or peer-reviewed sources, but some sources cited in this chapter are from information sheets or brochures from the aforementioned organizations. While unusual, this is necessary in this chapter in order to provide a complete picture of FGM/C for the reader. Additionally, there is a notable lack of published research on the nonsurgical management of FGM/C sequelae. Where evidence is not available, we have made recommendations based on our experience in managing such patients. Further research on FGM/C is needed to better understand the scope and optimal management of FGM/C.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Khady Diouf

  2. African Women’s Health Center and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Nawal M. Nour

Authors
  1. Khady Diouf
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  2. Nawal M. Nour
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Correspondence to Khady Diouf .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU School of Medicine and Department of Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Medical Center, New York, NY, USA

    Veronica Ades

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Diouf, K., Nour, N.M. (2020). Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. In: Ades, V. (eds) Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38345-9_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38345-9_11

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-38344-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-38345-9

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