Female genital mutilation

This article gives an overview over the huge topic of 'female genital mutilation' (FGM). FGM means non-therapeutic, partial or complete removal or injury of each of the external female genitals. It concerns about 130 million women around the world. FGM is performed in about 30 countries, most of which are located in Africa. Four types of FGM are distinguished: type I (clitoridectomy), type II (excision), Type III (infibulation) & type IV (traditional form). The mentioned reasons for FGM are: encouragement of the patriarchal family system, guarantee of moral behavior and faithfulness to the husband, protection of women from suspicions and disgrace, initiation ritual, symbol of feminity and beauty, hygienic, health and economic advantages. Early physical consequences of FGM include severe pain, bleeding, infections, sepsis, shock, micturition problems and fractures. Late physical problems like anemia, infections of the urinary tract, incontinence, infertility, pain, Reproductive tract infections, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, Mental disturbances and poor obstetric neonatal outcomes. FGM carried out by doctors, nurses or midwives is also called ‘medicalization of FGM’ and is definitely unacceptable in addition to that FGM has been considered a human rights violation. Local organizations in collaboration with religious institutions and community leaders should work together to engage in a process of change within the entire community by arranging awareness creation programmes on the harmfulness of the practice especially in the rural areas.