Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. [1] FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. It is mostly carried out on minors and therefore it is also a violation of the rights of children. The procedures that comprises into FGM can be divided into four different types. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified female genital mutilation into four major types. These four types can vary by region or/and among ethnic groups.

1. Type 1 Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of the female genitals) and, rarely, the prepuce (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris) as well.
2. Type 2 Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora.
3. Type 3 Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner, and sometimes outer, labia, with or without removal of the clitoris.
4. Type 4 Other: all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area.

Besides these established forms the terms defibulation and reinfibulation come to mind when discussing female genital mutilation. Defibulation is the enlargement of the opening or the removal of the obstruction, usually performed pre-marriage or pre-birth. Reinfibulation is done for example after giving birth.