THE TERRIBLE HARM OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION AND HOW IT CAN BE STOPPED
Fight against Female Genital Mutilation
Fatima was only 7 years old when her parents told her she would be going on a special trip. Although she was excide but when she arrived ther, she was taken to a small room. Her aunties and a local woman held her down as she screamed and cried in pain as her genitalia was cut. She was left with a lifetime of physical and emotional scars. Fatima's parents had thought they were doing the right thing, as FGM had been a tradition in their family for generations. They didn't realize the harm they were causing to their beloved daughter, and Fatima couldn't understand why she had to suffer such pain and trauma. She grew up feeling ashamed and isolated, never able to fully trust anyone, and never forgetting the pain she had experienced at such a young age.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of a girl's external genitalia. It is a form of violence against girls and women and is considered a violation of their human rights. It is typically performed on girls between the ages of 4 and 14, although it can also be performed on infants or adult women. The=is terrible practice is sadly still prevalent in some countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and is also found in some immigrant communities in Europe, North America, and Australia1.
Types of Female Genital Mutilation
In other to shed more light on it, here are four main types of female genital mutilation:
You may need to have read through this Post by marilour to understand the part of the female external genitalia.
- Clitoridectomy or Sunna: This involves the removal of the clitoral hood or the entire clitoris.
- Excision: This involves the removal of the clitoris and the inner labia, with or without the removal of the outer labia.
- Infibulation: This is the most severe form of FGM and involves the removal of the clitoris, labia minora, and part or all of the labia majora. The remaining tissue is then sewn together, leaving a small opening for urine and menstrual blood.
- Other: This includes any other harmful procedures to the female genitalia, such as piercing, cutting, or scraping.
Harms and Complications
FGM has many harmful effects on girls and women, which could be immediately after the procedure and in the long run. The immediate complications may include severe pain, bleeding, shock, and infection. Long-term complications can include chronic pains, urinary problems (including urinary tract infections, fistulas), sexual problems, and psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
Complications during childbirth, including prolonged labor, vaginal tearing due to previous scaring and loss of flexibility, and difficulty delivering the baby, which can result in infant mortality.
Raising Awareness Against FGM
Raising awareness about the harms of FGM is crucial in ending this practice. Education about the human rights of girls and women and the negative effects can help communities understand the importance of stopping the practice. This education should be provided to both men and women, as both genders play a role in perpetuating the practice. Religious leaders, community leaders, and health workers can also play an important role in raising awareness and advocating for the elimination of FGM.
One effective way to raise awareness about FGM is through community engagement and dialogue. Community members should be involved in discussions about the practice and its effects, and encouraged to share their opinions and experiences. These discussions can help build understanding and consensus around the need to end FGM.
Media campaigns can also be effective in raising awareness about FGM. TV, radio, and print advertisements can be used to educate people about the harms of FGM and to encourage communities to end the practice. Social media platforms and communities such as medhive can also be used to spread awareness about FGM and to connect people who are working to end the practice.
Legal measures can also be taken to end FGM. Many countries have laws against the practice of FGM, and these laws can be used to prosecute those who perform the procedure. However, enforcement of these laws can be difficult, particularly in communities where FGM is deeply ingrained. Education and awareness-raising are therefore crucial in creating a cultural shift that rejects FGM.
Conclusion
Female genital mutilation is a harmful practice that violates the human rights of girls and women. It has many immediate and long-term harmful effects and is a major public health concern. Raising awareness about the harms of FGM is crucial in ending this practice, and education, community engagement, media campaigns, and legal measures can all be used to raise awareness and advocate for the elimination of FGM. It is important that individuals and communities work together to end FGM and protect the rights and health of girls and women.
Some Referrences
- World Health Organization. "Female genital mutilation
- UNICEF. "Female genital mutilation/cutting: a global concern."
- United Nations Population Fund. "Female genital mutilation
- Equality Now. "Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- The Guardian. "Female genital mutilation: what you need to know
- Plan International. "Female genital mutilation: what it is and where it happens
- Amnesty International. "Female genital mutilation
Hi,I am Jaydr, a Medical Doctor practicing in Nigeria, I have a passion for public health awareness, promotion, content creation, music, crypto and eternity.
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Thank you for this Chief
It must be reiterated the reason why FGM is practiced such as attempt to curb the sexual needs of a woman.
As you said, the need for primary prevention cannot be emphasized and it is demoralizing for them.
The Acute and Long-term complications could be life - long.
I hope areas can be fished out and enlightenment can be proffered.
Perhaps a law against such exists and if not, something should be propagated to arrest such evil practice
You are right, your conclusions are perfect. I have long since considered these cultures unacceptable. You talked about a really important topic
This subject winds me up and it's incredible that it's still going on.
Education is desperately needed!
The thought of these women's lives ruined is very saddening.
I understand you're a doctor?
People like you are a very important aid to this education!
Yes I am
Thanks for giving a voice on this
It's really pathetic that it's still on going.
And really sad too..
Female Genital Mutilation is truly harmful and sadly still practiced as you mentioned.
However, regarding the sexual problems you stated, can they be highlighted?
Yes @balikis95
They are at risk of painful sex, even when they have sexual urges, that too can be very painful, some may develop vaginismus due to the previous scaring and trauma, in some case the elasticity of the vagina has been lost, so it may even cause a vaginal tear and that will cause bleeding during sex. Some time the fgm may have cut off the clitoris and you know what that means, that's the sensual and erectile component of a woman's body for sexual pleasure, lost forever.
Some of this cultures even believe it is devilish to have the clitoris.
Thanks for your question.
I ll welcome more.
Thanks for the response. Now, let's have some more explanations, please.
In this, do we say people like this end up not having any urge toward sex or they kill them? Also, how can they move past that scare?
This means people like this will bleed even when they aren't a virgin anymore. Also, do you have more information on how much the bleeding could be if it affects their menstrual cycle, and what can be done to stop it.
Thank you.
I ll gladly respond to these questions, just keep them coming hehe.
Vaginismus is a condition associated with spasm of the vaginal muscles, which closes the vaginal vault, passage and disallows any penetration. In practice there are cases of couples who tried to copulate and had no passage of entry. (no passport) This is either due to trauma, or emotional issues gotten from PTSD or some forms of anxiety disorders. They may even have sexual aversions. But when that closes, any attempt at sex will be painful, u gratifying and can result in a bleeding tear, an emergency.
Moving past it will often require some heavy psychotherapy and in some cases plastic surgery, where they get to repair the vagina, Vaginoplasty.
Although I m not clear what you mean here, but I ll say this.
Not every virgin bleeds at first coitus/sex.
Not every bleeding is from the hymenal tear.
I had earlier written a post about a sad event where a woman was bleeding to death from the sex bed, an they thought it was hymenal blood. It wasn't. Thank God for prompt medical intervention.
This bleeds have nothing to do with the menstrual bleeds which comes at its own time. Any issues with heavy menstrual bleeds should be seen by a Dr. So go and see a Dr for that.
They should be properly differentiated.
In this case, when someone suffers from vaginismus the person won't go for sex because their opening is closed, right? And that person can't enjoyably have sex or have children. But, can they have sex and even get to birth their child after the plastic surgery, or it hasn't been tested?
You did answer my questions...haha. I was at work then though, that isn't an excuse.
I do know not all virgins bleed after copulation, and it is quite sad that some people don't know this.
Take a look at medieval times where in some parts of the world, some people's traditions state a lady is a virgin when her husband after coitus with her comes out with the bed sheet showing blood. Crazy.
Speaking of the menstrual cycle, is it normal for a lady to see her period 2 to 3 times in a month. Like, it just happened that she saw one at the beginning of the month, another, in the middle, and the last one at the end of the month and they all lasted 6 days (if I am not mistaken). Cos I heard it happens when the cycle date wants to change. What answer can you give to that?
The vaginal spasms occur only during sex
And yes there are various modalities to treat it when they go to the Drs.
For multiple menses in a month, that case is abnormal, such case should visit the Dr. There is no explanation to it except she sees a Dr who reviews her well.
Hmm.. That's nice. Thanks, a lot. Your answers were helpful. I hope we get to have another meaningful chat about something like this again.
Feel free to bring it on. Hehe
I m here for #medhive, and you can engage other Professionals posts too.
Yeah, I already did. Also, you can tag me in your posts. I would like that if it won't be much of a trouble for you.
I ll just hope I remember, that’s the problem hehe
Hehe... I will be on check out too. But, I would love it if it does cross your mind too.