Female Genital Cutting (FGC)

What is FGC?

Female genital cutting (also referred to as female circumcision, female genital mutilation, or FGM) is the removal of genital organs (e.g., clitoris) or the partial or total removal of the external genitalia (e.g., labia majora, labia minora). This latter procedure, with stitching and narrowing of the vaginal opening, is called infibulation.

When is FGC performed?

FGC is a cultural practice in some regions, performed on women as a rite of passage, for cosmetic reasons, for reasons of cultural identity, for “cleanliness,” to improve marriage prospects, or to enhance male sexual pleasure.

Physical changes:

Removal of the clitoris can result in diminished sexual sensations. Removal of the labia majora and minora with narrowing of the vaginal opening can result in infection, damage to the urethra and rectum, hemorrhage, pain, shock, retention of urine, and death. Narrowing of the vaginal opening can result in prolonged labor and damage to the baby and the mother during vaginal birth.

Emotional changes:

No research has been done to determine the emotional effect of FGC on girls and women. Therefore, the emotional effects of those who undergo FGC—as well as the effects on those who do not undergo FGC where cultural and social expectations for the practice exist—cannot be predicted.

Effect on sexuality:

FGC removes the woman’s sexual organs (such as the clitoris), and infibulation may leave the woman with little sexually sensitive genital tissue. Although FGC does not affect the hormones that contribute to sexual arousal, the missing structures and tissue can have a negative effect on sexual pleasure and satisfaction. Other sexually sensitive parts of the body, such as the breasts, nipples, lips, neck, and earlobes, may become increasingly sensitive in women who have undergone FGC to make up for the lack of clitoral stimulation.

Adapted from: Toubia, N., 1995, Female Genital Mutilation: A Call for Global Action, Rainbo, pp. 17–19.

© 2007 EngenderHealth