FGM

Question 1

What are the main types of FGM?

Answer 1

• Clitoridectomy – removing part or all of the clitoris
• Excision – removing part or all of the clitoris, labia minora ± labia majora
• Infibulation – narrowing vaginal opening by creating a seal by cutting and repositioning the labia
• Other harmful procedures to genitals including pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping, burning

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms of FGM?

Answer 2

• Abnormal anatomy on examination/inspection
• Constant pain
• Dyspareunia
• Bleeding
• Cysts/Abscesses
• Incontinence
• Depression, flashbacks, self-harm

Question 3

What is the management of FGM?

Answer 3

• Deinfibulation
  
  • Offered to those unable to have sex, pass urine, or pregnant women at risk during delivery
  • Analgesia to avoid flashbacks
• Must record in notes
  
  • If <18yo = also report to police and social services
  • If >18yo = no obligatory duty to report though

Question 4

What are the complications of FGM?

Answer 4

• Repeated infections → infertility
• Life-threatening complications during labour/childbirth
• Short term after the FGM
  
  • Haemorrhage
  • Urinary retention
  • Genital swelling
  • Menstrual difficulties
  • Infertility
  • HIV/HBV