Reproductive Health, Embryology and Fertility

Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital cutting and female circumcision also known as Female genital mutilation (FGM) are procedures which involves cutting or complete removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. It was estimated that 200 million women have undergone the procedures in some countries. FGM is performed on women of all ages. These procedures involve removal of the clitoral hood and clitoral glans, removal of the inner labia, removal of the inner and outer labia and closure of the vulva. It was started and performed by women, who see it as a source of honour, and who fear that failing to undergo the procedure will expose the girls to social exclusion.