Relevant Aspects of Female Genital Mutilation

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter deals with FGM, female genital mutilation, also named female genital cutting or female circumcision. Though mainly practised in African and Middle East countries, it is still the reality for many women and girls who migrated from those countries to Europe and other parts of the world. In 2022, UNICEF estimated that, globally, at least 200 million women and girls had undergone this procedure.The physical damage and consequences of FGM depend on the extent of the procedure and the medical and hygienic conditions during the event. Circumcised women deserve proper care regarding their medical and obstetrical side effects. This chapter will address some of the expected urological, gynaecological, and obstetrical consequences for the midwife who meets women with FGM throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. On the other hand, this chapter will address various aspects of FGM’s psychological, sexual, and social impact on the woman and the couple.It can be confusing for the midwife who doesn’t work (or doesn’t yet work) in a multicultural setting when confronted with women after FGM. So the chapter will elaborate on ‘How to approach the woman after FGM in a respectful and caring manner?’This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.