Female Genital Mutilation is a cultural practice that started in Africa approximately 2000 years ago. FGM is practiced by Muslims and non Muslims alike residing mainly in Sub Saharan Africa in countries that include but not limited to Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Chad.
The extent of mutilation of such practices range from excision of the clitoris to complete infibulation which involves removal of the clitoris, labia minor and labia major leaving a small orifice for the passage of urine and menstrual blood.
Instruments used for this painful procedure may vary and could include knives, scissors, razor blades, sharp edge of broken glass and so on.
Once the cutting is completed, the genital area is cleaned with water and stitched up and legs bound up for nearly 45 days.
The immediate and long term health effects of FGM vary according to the type and severity of the procedure performed. Immediate complications include bleeding, excruciating pain, urine rretention, injury to the adjacent tissues such as the urethra. Long term consequences of FGM include formation of cysts and abscesses, urinary incontinence, painful sexual intercourse, sexual dysfunction and difficulties with childbirth.
Psychosocial and psychosexual impacts of FGM leave a lasting mark on the life and mind of women. In the longer term, women may suffer from feeling of incompleteness, anxiety and depression.
In conclusion, the female human naturally evolved to have at least as intense an orgasm as the male. Sexual arousal is accompanied by blood flow to the clitoris and labia just as it is to the penis. Why human should get rid of the gift of nature that provides pleasure?
Dr Mohamed Osman, MD
