Female circumcision
Female circumcision
Female circumcision, also known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or Female Genital Cutting (FGC), is a procedure that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The term 'circumcision' is derived from the Latin word 'circumcisio', which means 'to cut around'.
Pronunciation
Female circumcision: /ˈfiːmeɪl ˌsɜːrkəmˈsɪʒən/
Etymology
The term 'circumcision' comes from the Latin 'circumcisio', meaning 'to cut around'. The term 'female circumcision' is used to describe this practice when it is performed on females.
Procedure
The procedure is typically performed by a traditional circumciser using a blade, with or without anesthesia. The age at which it is conducted varies from days after birth to puberty; in some communities, it is even performed on adult women. In many countries, it is illegal and considered a violation of human rights.
Types
There are four types of FGM identified by the World Health Organization (WHO). These include: clitoridectomy (Type I), excision (Type II), infibulation (Type III), and all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes (Type IV).
Health effects
FGM has no health benefits and can cause a number of health problems. Immediately following the procedure, complications may include severe pain, shock, hemorrhage, tetanus or sepsis, urine retention, open sores, and injury to nearby genital tissue. Long-term consequences can include recurrent bladder and urinary tract infections, cysts, infertility, childbirth complications, and increased risk of HIV.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Female circumcision
- Wikipedia's article - Female circumcision
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