Female Genital Mutilation Fgm

Overview

FGM is the deliberate cutting, removal or other injury of a girl's or woman's external genitals for non-medical reasons. It is sometimes called female circumcision, but it is not like male circumcision and has no health benefits. FGM is a human rights issue and is illegal in the UK and many other countries.

FGM is estimated to affect more than 230 million girls and women alive today. It happens in many countries and communities, including among people who have moved from places where it is practised.

FGM mainly affects girls and women, often before age 15. It is not required by any religion. It is rooted in social and cultural traditions, not medical need.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain or soreness in the genital area
• Bleeding or discharge
• Problems passing urine, such as pain, burning or difficulty
• Repeated urine or genital infections
• Painful periods or difficulty managing menstrual hygiene
• Pain during sex or sexual difficulties
• Scar tissue, cysts or lumps
• Anxiety, low mood, flashbacks or sleep problems

Symptoms in children

• Crying, distress or fear after being taken away by someone
• Bleeding, swelling or pain in the genital area
• Trouble passing urine
• Fear of going to the toilet or being examined
• Changes in behaviour, sleep or school performance
• Withdrawal or unexplained fear of certain people or places

Symptoms in older adults

• Long-term pelvic or genital pain
• Sexual difficulties or pain during sex
• Urinary or menstrual problems
• Complications during pregnancy or childbirth
• Anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress (lasting stress after a frightening event)

Causes

Main causes

• FGM is done because of social and cultural traditions, not medical need.
• Family and community pressure can make people feel they must go along with it.
• Myths about hygiene, fertility, marriage or religion may be used to justify it.
• Gender inequality and control over girls' and women's bodies play a part.

Risk factors

• Being born into a family or community where FGM is practised
• Having a mother or sister who has had FGM
• Being at risk around a certain age or before marriage
• Limited access to education and safeguarding (protecting someone from harm)
• Conflict, displacement or migration can increase risk

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever or signs of infection
• Being unable to pass urine
• Pregnancy with bleeding, severe pain or reduced baby movements
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or immediate danger to yourself or others — call your local emergency number

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have any concerns about FGM for yourself or someone else
• You have pain, urinary, menstrual or sexual problems
• You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and have had FGM
• You want information about support, counselling or deinfibulation (a small operation to open scar tissue)

Diagnosis

There is no simple test for FGM. A healthcare professional may ask gentle questions about your health and history and, only with your consent, offer a private examination. You can ask for a female clinician and a chaperone (a trained person in the room). For children, safeguarding procedures are followed.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no laboratory test is needed
• Urine test if you have urinary symptoms
• Swab if an infection is suspected
• Pregnancy test or ultrasound if you have pelvic pain or pregnancy concerns
• Blood tests if there is heavy bleeding or low blood count is suspected

What to expect at your appointment

Appointments should be confidential, respectful and unhurried. You can bring someone you trust. You can ask questions and say if you do not want an examination. If needed, you may be referred to a specialist clinic.

Treatment

There is no way to undo FGM completely, but care can help with symptoms and complications. Treatment focuses on physical health, emotional wellbeing, sexual health and pregnancy care. Always discuss your options with a qualified healthcare provider.

Self-care at home

• Keep the genital area clean with plain water and a mild unscented wash
• Avoid scented soaps, douches and tight clothing
• Ask a pharmacist or clinician about safe pain relief
• Use a heat pack or warm bath if it helps
• Write down symptoms and questions before appointments
• Connect with a trusted person or support group

Medical treatments

Healthcare teams can treat infections, urinary problems, pain, menstrual problems and sexual difficulties. They can offer counselling and mental health support. Specialist services can discuss deinfibulation (a small operation to open scar tissue) or other surgery when appropriate. Care during pregnancy and childbirth can be planned with your team.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be offered to open scar tissue (deinfibulation) if FGM causes problems passing urine, pain, sexual difficulty or childbirth concerns. Some women ask about reconstructive surgery; this should be discussed carefully with a specialist because benefits and risks vary.

Living with this condition

FGM can affect many parts of daily life, including toilet use, periods, sex, pregnancy and confidence. Good care and support can make a real difference. You deserve respect and privacy.

Lifestyle tips

• Build a support network you trust
• Plan appointments when you have time and can ask for a chaperone
• Use plain language and ask questions
• Keep active in ways that feel comfortable
• Practise relaxation or breathing if anxiety is hard

Diet and exercise

No special diet is needed. Eat regular balanced meals and drink enough water, especially if you have urinary symptoms. Gentle movement can help with mood and sleep. Adjust exercise if it causes discomfort and ask a pelvic health professional if needed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

FGM can cause lasting emotional pain, including anxiety, depression, flashbacks, shame and post-traumatic stress (lasting stress after a frightening event). These feelings are understandable and treatable. If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, contact your local emergency number or a local crisis line straight away.

Prevention

Yes. FGM is preventable. Laws, education, community-led programmes and safeguarding help protect girls. Healthcare workers, teachers and social services have a duty to act if a child may be at risk. FGM has no health benefits and is illegal in the UK and many other countries.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for FGM. Vaccines are not relevant to preventing this practice.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test. Healthcare professionals may ask sensitively about FGM during some appointments, such as pregnancy care, and offer support.

Complications

If left untreated

• Long-term pain
• Repeated urinary or genital infections
• Scar tissue, cysts and nerve damage
• Painful periods and sexual problems
• Difficulties with pregnancy and childbirth, including increased risk of tears and newborn complications
• Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress (lasting stress after a frightening event)

Long-term outlook

Many people live full lives after FGM, especially when they get respectful care and support. Symptoms can often be managed, and emotional healing is possible. Help is available, and you deserve it.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.