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Breaking the Silence on Female Genital Mutilation and Its Far-Reaching Impacts

  • Armita Hamedi
  • Apr 13
  • 4 min read

What is FGM?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is typically performed on girls between infancy and age 15, often without their consent, anesthesia, or proper medical conditions [1]. FGM is rooted in religious and cultural beliefs that enforce chastity and control female sexuality, under the guise of maintaining "purity" and "cleanliness" [1]. However, in the process, it strips females of their bodily autonomy and leaves lasting physical and psychological consequences.


FGM is classified into four categories [2]:

Type 1: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the clitoris and/or clitoral hood, often intended to eliminate female sexual pleasure. 

Type 2: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minora, with or without removal of the labia majora. 

Type 3: Often known as infibulation, this involves the narrowing of the vaginal opening by cutting and stitching the labia minora together or the labia majora together. The clitoris may or may not also be removed in this process. This type of FGM has the most severe health complications. 

Type 4: Any other harmful act of altering the female external genitalia, such as piercing, cauterizing, scraping, or incisions. 

Global and Local Importance of FGM:

Although FGM is illegal in 92 countries, it remains widespread with 230 million women and girls affected globally in 2024 [2,3]. It is largely practiced in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with Somila having the highest national prevalence at 99% [4]. The United Nations recognized the harm that FGM inflicts which led to the addition of eliminating FGM to the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically under SDG 5.3 aiming to end the practice by 2030 [5]. 


However, FGM is not only an issue in the countries where it is traditionally practiced but also in countries with immigrant populations, such as Canada, where first- and second-generation women and girls may be directly or indirectly affected. Canada formally banned FGM in 1997 under the Criminal Code, classifying it as aggravated assault [6]. This also includes reinfibulation which is getting re-stitched, often after childbirth. To prevent receiving FGM abroad, often concealed as vacations, Canadian law also does not permit abroad FGM and has set penalties as serious as imprisonment of up to 14 years for responsible parties involved.

What are the Physical Health Impacts of FGM?

The physical consequences of FGM can be both immediate and long-term, often leading to severe health complications. Improper wound healing can result in keloid scars which may cause irritation and obstruct the vaginal or urethral opening [7,8]. Many women, especially those who have undergone Type 3 FGM, experience excessive menstrual pain and difficulty passing blood due to the narrowed vaginal opening [9]. This narrowed opening also increases the risk of childbirth complications, including postpartum hemorrhage, prolonged labour, and tearing of the stitched genitalia [9]. Recurrent vaginal and urinary infections, as well as severe genital pain that may or may not be associated with sexual activity, can also follow days to years after FGM [9].

What are the Mental Health Impacts of FGM?

Serious mental health consequences can result from FGM, most Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder being one of the most significant due to the shock and psychological trauma it inflicts [9]. Many women and girls struggle to cope with the loss of bodily autonomy and the conditions they endured, leading to chronic anxiety, feelings of shame and self-isolation from friends, partners, and healthcare professionals, especially in a society where FGM is not widely practiced or accepted [10]. Additionally, genital disfigurement often results in sexual dysfunction which contributes to difficulties with intimacy, sexual frustration, lack of sexual desire, and low self-esteem [9,11,12].

How to Help End FGM:

The first step in supporting loved ones affected by FGM is to be non-judgmental. Almost all survivors undergo FGM against their will, making it a form of assault. Being sensitive about the matter, allowing loved ones to open up at their own pace, and understanding how their unique experience with FGM has impacted them is crucial. 


Also, advocating for awareness and educating others on the physical, mental, and societal consequences can help end FGM. Importantly, having more men involved in the conversation around FGM can also help challenge the misconception that FGM is solely a women’s issue [13]. Regardless of gender, understanding and supporting survivors of FGM can make the greatest difference in reducing the stigma and making a meaningful impact.



References


  1. What is female genital mutilation? United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Accessed March 9, 2025. https://www.unicef.org/protection/female-genital-mutilation.

  2. Female genital mutilation. World Health Organization. Published January 31, 2025. Accessed March 9, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation.

  3. Compendium of International and National Legal Frameworks on Female Genital Mutilation. The World Bank. Published February 2024. Accessed March 9, 2025. https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/ffb98b2ac4aeaeb3d79cd6fba95d85b5-0260012024/original/Compendium-FGM-February-2023-8th-edition.pdf.

  4. Female genital mutilation (FGM) data. UNICEF. Published March 1, 2024. Accessed March 9, 2025. https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-protection/female-genital-mutilation/.

  5. Sustainable Development Goal 5. United Nations. Published 2025. Accessed March 9, 2025. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal5.

  6. Criminal Code. Government of Canada. Updated January 22, 2025. Accessed March 9, 2025. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/section-268.html?wbdisable=true.

  7. Birge Ö, Akbaş M, Özbey EG, Adıyeke M. Clitoral keloids after female genital mutilation/cutting. Turk J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;13(3):154-157. doi:10.4274/tjod.32067

  8. Keloid scars. NHS. Published February 7, 2023. Accessed March 9, 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/keloid-scars/.

  9. Sarayloo K, Latifnejad Roudsari R, Elhadi A. Health consequences of the female genital mutilation: A systematic review. Galen Med J. 2019;8:e1336. doi:10.22086/gmj.v8i0.1336

  10. O'Neill S, Pallitto C. The consequences of female genital mutilation on psycho-social well-being: A systematic review of qualitative research. Qual Health Res. 2021;31(9):1738-1750. doi:10.1177/10497323211001862

  11. Tammary E, Manasi K. Mental and sexual health outcomes associated with FGM/C in Africa: A systematic narrative synthesis. EClinicalMedicine. 2023;56:101813. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101813

  12. Okwudili OA, Chukwudi OR. Urinary and genital tract obstruction as a complication of female genital mutilation: Case report and literature review. J Surg Tech Case Rep. 2012;4(1):64-66. doi:10.4103/2006-8808.100360

  13. Varol N, Turkmani S, Black K, Hall J, Dawson A. The role of men in abandonment of female genital mutilation: A systematic review. BMC Public Health. 2015;15:1034. doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2373-2

 
 
 

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