Exploring Female Genital Mutilation: Types and Implications

Exploring Female Genital Mutilation: Types and Implications

Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to a range of practices that involve the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other forms of injury, often performed for non-medical reasons. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified four main types of FGM, each further divided into specific categories:

Type I: Clitoral Removal

• What It Involves: This type includes the partial or full removal of the clitoral glans and/or the clitoral hood.
  • Type Ia: This is when only the clitoral hood is removed.
  • Type Ib: This involves the removal of the clitoral glans along with the hood.

Type II: Removal of Clitoral and Labial Tissue

• What It Involves: This type covers the removal of the clitoral glans and the inner labia (labia minora), with or without affecting the outer labia (labia majora).
  • Type IIa: Here, only the labia minora is removed.
  • Type IIb: This includes the removal of the clitoral glans and labia minora, possibly affecting the hood as well.
  • Type IIc: This type involves the removal of the clitoral glans, labia minora, and labia majora, with potential effects on the hood.

Type III: Infibulation

• What It Involves: This type narrows the vaginal opening by creating a seal through the cutting and repositioning of the labia.
  • Type IIIa: This involves the removal and repositioning of the labia minora.
  • Type IIIb: This includes the removal and repositioning of the labia majora.

Type IV: Other Harmful Practices

• What It Involves: This type includes various harmful procedures performed on the female genitalia, such as pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterization.

Deinfibulation

This refers to the procedure of cutting open the sealed vaginal opening of a woman who has undergone infibulation. This is often necessary for childbirth or sexual intercourse.

Reinfibulation

Some women may face reinfibulation after childbirth, a practice that WHO strongly advises against due to the increased health risks it poses.

Understanding these types of FGM and their effects is crucial for addressing the health issues and human rights concerns associated with these practices.

[Source: WHO – Types of Female Genital Mutilation].