There are different levels of severity with FGM that are categorized into types. Daughters of Eve has created a diagram and explanation of the types that breaks down the differences well. The type is dependent on culture.
Type 1: Clitoridectomy is the most common. It involves the removal of the clitoris. Scar tissue and raw nerves remain. According to Manfred Nowak, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture,“The pain inflicted by FGM does not stop with the initial procedure, but often continues as ongoing torture throughout a woman’s life”. Here are three accounts of sex after FGM.
“It is worse than labour pains because it is continuous. Every time you urinate, it feels like you have been cut afresh. It felt like my private parts had been set ablaze. I cried silently so that people wouldn’t say I was a coward. What I really wanted to do was scream out loud. There was no one to soothe me or comfort me, I had to be strong. To date, when I close my eyes, I can still feel the pain I felt then.” And to think this was only the beginning of a painful womanhood." --Chepokilipa in A Woman's Experience at the Thorns of Culture
Type 2: Excision involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora.
Type 3: Infibulation occur by cutting out the clitoris and surrounding area and stitching together the folds to create a seal. Everything is closed only allowing for a small amount of urine and menstrual blood to escape. This creates a back log of urine and frequent and painful infections. Often a knife is needed to reopen the vagina enough to engage in intercourse. After childbirth the women may be restitched. This is an excruciating and potentially deadly procedure.
Over 130 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM. The reasons are varied for FGM, but total control over women is the key theme. FGM guarantees that the women who undergo it will remain chaste (since sex is far too painful to ever be enjoyed). In many cultures it is seen as a right of passage from girlhood to womanhood. The girl is now ready to be married off.
FGM is far more prevalent in the USA than previously thought , rates have doubled in the USA, yet this is not something many realize. Medical professionals and social workers must be made aware of this practice. The UK has made strides to not only ban the practice on UK soil, but also making "Cutting Holidays"illegal. It is time we take a proactive stance here too.
I wrote this blog out of frustration. Nearly every article written on this subject inevitably has several comments on how this is 1. a cultural issue that we need not worry about (Why white men should care about FGM too) and 2. What about the men? Male mutilation happens all over the world too! I compiled this information to answer these questions in one place. Hopefully it is clear to see how FGM is not the same as circumcision. The removal of the foreskin in circumcision does not affect the male sex organ. Whereas some scholarly works argue in favor of male circumcision, there are none that could possibly promote FGM. There are absolutely NO health benefits to FGM; only excruciating pain, infections, and severe scar tissue, as well as psychological pain, and PTSD. Clinicians need to remain aware of the risks to their clients as well as a working knowledge of the pain and effects to help their client in a culturally sensitive manner. It remains a stigma as long as we ignore its reality.
There are numerous ways to get involved to stop the process. Support existing programs. Maasai cricket warriors, Young Woman's Center, 28 Too Many just to name a few. Educate yourself on the practice and write your congressperson. Ask them to support legislation to further prevent FGM on American soil. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments. Together we can end this.
