Female Genital Mutilation

1
Female Genital Mutilation

• FGM

2
What is FGM ?

• Female Genital Cutting are all procedures
  involving partial or total removal of the
  external female genitalia,
• or other injury to the female genital organs,
  whether for cultural or other non therapeutic
  reasons

3
What are some of the consequences of FGM?

• infection
• tetanus
• bleeding
• tearing during child delivery
• keloid formation
• risk of HIV infection

4
Why does FGM occur?

• A traditional rite of passage/ part of
  initiation into adulthood.
• power inequalities and the passive nature of
  women to dictates of their communities.

5
Justifications for FGM are

• A custom and tradition
• religious it is a religious requirement
• preservation of virginity
• social acceptance for marriage
• Hygienic and a cleanliness practice
• increases sexual pleasure for the male
• family honour
• a sense of belonging to the social group
• enhances fertility

6
Consequences of FGM

• Can have short-term and long-term health
  implications

7
Short term health implications include

• severe pain and shock
• infection
• urine retention
• injury to adjacent tissues
• immediate fatal hemorrhaging

8
Long-term implications entail

• extensive damage of the external reproductive
  system
• uterus, vaginal and pelvic infections
• cysts and neuromas
• increased risk of Vesico Vaginal Fistula
• complications in pregnancy and child birth
• psychological damage
• sexual dysfunction
• difficulties in menstruation

9
Conclusion

• In Kenya, estimated prevalence rate of FGM is
  38, and the prevalent forms are clitoridectomy
  and excision