The Devastating Effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): T. M. Ogboye

The Devastating Effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): T. M. Ogboye

The World Health Organization (2022) defines female genital mutilation (FGM) as any procedure that causes non-medical injury to the female genital organs or involves the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia. Female genital mutilation (FGM) has affected over 230 million girls and women in regions where the practice is prevalent, including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia

FGM is generally performed on young girls between the ages of infancy and 15 and is regarded as a violation of the human rights of girls and women worldwide. The health effects of FGM complications are estimated to cost health systems US$ 1.4 billion annually, and this figure is expected to rise unless immediate action is taken to end the practice (UNICEF, 2020).

The practice of FGM not only infringes on an individual's fundamental rights to health, safety, and bodily autonomy but also constitutes a violation of their right to be free from torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, and in extreme cases, the right to life itself, as it can lead to fatal consequences.

Types of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

According to the World Health Organization (2022), female genital mutilation (FGM) is classified into four primary categories:

Category 1: Clitoridectomy (removal of the clitoris)

Category 2: Excision (removal of the clitoris and labia minora)

Category 3: Infibulation (removal of the clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora, with narrowing of the vaginal opening)

Category 4: Other forms of FGM (including pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, or cauterizing the genital area)

Effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

According to Nour (2006), the effects of female genital mutilation can be categorized into short-term and long-term complications.

Short-term complications:

·      Severe pain

·      Bleeding (hemorrhage)

·      Infection (including tetanus and sepsis)

·      Urinary retention

·      Shock

·      Death (in rare cases) 

Long-term complications:

·      Chronic pain

·      Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

·      Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)

·      Vaginal discharge and itching

·      Urinary tract infections

·      Infertility

·      Increased risk of childbirth complications (e.g., prolonged labor, fetal distress)

·      Psychological trauma (e.g., anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder)

·      Sexual dysfunction (e.g., decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)

·      Gynecological problems (e.g., cysts, abscesses, keloid formation)

 

Nour (2006) also notes that FGM can lead to obstetric complications, including:

·      Prolonged labour

·      Fetal distress

·      Increased risk of cesarean section

·      Postpartum hemorrhage

The practice of FGM is widely recognized as a gross violation of human rights, perpetuating deep-rooted gender inequality and discrimination. It offers no health benefits, instead causing severe physical harm, including bleeding, urination problems, cysts, infections, childbirth complications, and increased risk of newborn deaths.

 

T. M. Ogboye 

Your Success Is My Business 

 

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