FGM

Question 1

What are the types of FGM:

Answer 1

1) Clitoridectomy
2) Excision
3) Infibulation
4) Other

Question 2

Define a clitoridectomy

Answer 2

Partial or total removal of clitoris

Question 3

Define excision?

Answer 3

Partial or total removal of clitoris and labia minora +/- Labia majora

Question 4

Define Infibulation

Answer 4

Cutting and repositioning the inner or outer labia with or without removal of clitoris.
This narrows the vaginal oepning by creating a covering seal
Somtimes called Pharaonic Circumcision

Question 5

What comes under the blanker of “Other” FGM?

Answer 5

E.g:
Pricking
Piercing
Incising
Scraping
Cauterising

Question 6

What happens to women with Type 3 FGM re pregnancy?

Answer 6

De-infibulation - surgically opens up the closed vagina

Re-infibulation - illegal in the UK

Question 7

What might women in these communities know FGM as?

Answer 7

Cutting or Female Circumcision.

Some communities will have specific names for it e.g. Sunna in some muslim communities

Question 8

In what ways do people justify FGM?

Answer 8

Preserving chastity/purity
Religious requirment
Ensure girl is marriageable
Hygiene
Family honour
Enhancing Fertility
Increases pleasure for man

Main reason today is Social Acceptance / Fear of exclusion

Question 9

At what age is FGM performed?

Answer 9

Anywhere from birth to late teens/early adulthood.

Mostly between 4 an 10

Question 10

Who does the cutting?

Answer 10

Often a designated women in the community, usually older. Often its a role passed down maternally.

In some countries healthcare providers are doing a lot of it.

Question 11

What are the short-term dangers of FGM?

Answer 11

Severe Pain & Shock
Infection & blood borne viruses
Injury to other tissues
Injuries from restraint e.g. dislocations, broken bones or internal injuries
Fatal Haemorrhage

Question 12

What are the main long-term dangers of FGM?

Answer 12

• Urinary & menstrual retention
• Infections
• Cysts & Neuromas
• Complications of pregnancy/birth
• PTSD
• Sexual Dysfunction

Question 13

Think how FGM could affect a girl psychologically?

Answer 13

Anxiety & depression
Fear of intimacy & loss of trust
Unresolved anger and nightmares

Flashbacks, particularly around sex or childbirth

Question 14

What are the key risk factors for a child getting FGM?

Answer 14

• Mother, sister or cousins have had it
• Mother or father requested re-infibulation post-delivery
• Withdrawm from PSE classes
• Low integration into UK society

Question 15

What signs might suggest a girl is at imminent risk of FGM?

Answer 15

• Withdrawn from school or talks about a long holiday they’re about to take
• Visit from female family elder, particularly from outside UK
• Phrases like “I’m going to be a woman soon or something specials happening soon”