Health consequences of female genital mutilation


FGM has great consequences for the health of the girl in question. There are consequences on short term as well as consequences on longer term. Here are some of the complications that can occur as result of the circumcision:

• Extreme pain
• Complications as result of the procedure during the pregnancy and the childbirth
• Heavy bleeding, that sometimes results in to death
• Increased risk of maternal death, particularly with type 3
• Increased risk of HIV-infection
• Increased risk of still birth
• Pain when sitting and walking
• Difficulty and heavy pain during the menstruation
• Pain during urination
• Urinary tract infection and urinary incontinence
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Infections can spread to the ovaries, this can lead to infertility.

Unfortunately these medical consequences aren’t the only problems a circumcised girl is forced to deal with. There are for example several emotional and social issues a girl has to deal with. They are often not prepared for the anxiety and the pain that caused by FGM.  

• Mental shock caused by the extreme blood loss during the circumcision
• Fears and nightmares
• Decrease of the sexual pleasure of the woman and the sexual contact becomes painful
• Relationship problems
• Depression

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