460 Female Genital Cutting
Types of
Female
Genital
Cutting
There are 3 types of female genital cutting:
1. The clitoris is partly or completely removed.
2. The clitoris is removed along with the small skin folds of the
outer genitals.
3. The outside genitals are cut away, and the opening to the
vagina is sewn almost closed. This is called ‘infibulation’. A
small hole is left for urine and monthly bleeding to flow out.
This type of female genital cutting is the most dangerous
and causes the most serious health problems. But all types
of female genital cutting can cause bleeding, infection and
death.
The way that a girl is cut is different in different places, but
it is almost always done as part of a ceremony in which a girl
moves from childhood into adulthood.
Health
Problems
Caused by
Female
Genital
Cutting
These problems may happen right away, or in the first week:
• heavy bleeding
• infection
• shock from severe
pain, bleeding, or
infection
• problems with
passing urine
254
shock
All these problems are extremely dangerous. Get help
right away.
These problems may happen later, and can last for many years:
• problems with monthly bleeding
• problems with sex
• problems during and after childbirth
• leaking urine and stool
• being unable to get pregnant (infertility)
• lasting pain
• mental health problems
• the illnesses that come from HIV infection
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012