what happens during fgm

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where parts of the external female genitals are cut, injured, or removed for non‑medical reasons, and it causes severe immediate and long‑term harm to the body and mind.

What FGM Is

• FGM involves intentionally cutting, removing, or injuring external genital tissue such as the clitoris, labia, or narrowing/sewing the vaginal opening, with no health benefit.

• It is usually carried out on girls between infancy and adolescence, often without proper anesthesia or medical conditions, and is internationally recognized as a human‑rights violation and a form of violence against girls and women.

What Happens During the Procedure

What actually happens depends on the “type” of FGM, but all involve harm to genital tissue:

1. Preparation and restraint
   • The girl is often held down by several people; she may be told it is to “make her a woman” or “keep her pure”.

 * There may be little or no pain relief; tools can include razor blades, knives, or broken glass, sometimes not sterilized.

2. Cutting or removal of tissue
   • The clitoral hood and/or clitoris are cut or removed (Type I).

 * The inner and sometimes outer labia are cut, with or without removal of the clitoris (Type II).

 * In the most severe form (infibulation, Type III), the labia are cut and then stitched or sealed together, leaving only a tiny hole for urine and menstrual blood.

 * In “symbolic” forms, the genitals may be pricked or nicked, but this still intentionally injures the tissue (Type IV).

3. Closing and bandaging (for infibulation)
   • The cut labia are brought together and sewn; legs may be tied to keep them closed while the wound heals, which can take weeks.

During and after this, the girl usually experiences extreme pain, heavy bleeding, and intense fear or shock.

What Happens Immediately After FGM

Right after the cutting, a lot can go wrong, even in “milder” forms:

• Severe pain from cutting highly sensitive nerve‑rich tissue.

• Heavy bleeding (haemorrhage) , which can be life‑threatening if large vessels are cut.

• Shock , caused by intense pain, blood loss, and fear.

• Infection from unclean tools or environment: tetanus, septicemia (blood poisoning), and local wound infections.

• Difficulty passing urine due to swelling, pain, or obstruction, sometimes complete urinary retention.

• Injury to nearby organs , such as the urethra or vaginal wall.

• Death , most often from severe bleeding, infection, or shock.

A child or woman may also go into a state of intense terror or dissociation, which can be the start of long‑term psychological trauma.

Long‑Term Physical Consequences

Months and years after FGM, many effects continue or appear later in life:

• Chronic genital and pelvic infections leading to persistent pain, discharge, and itching.

• Urinary problems : repeated urinary tract infections, painful urination, slow or drop‑by‑drop urine flow (especially when the opening is very small).

• Scar tissue and cysts : keloids (thick scars), painful cysts, neuromas (painful nerve growths).

• Menstrual problems : painful periods, obstructed menstrual flow, accumulation of blood in the vagina or uterus in infibulation, causing severe cramps and pelvic pain.

• Infertility or pregnancy difficulties , partly due to infections and damage to reproductive organs.

These problems can require repeated medical care and sometimes surgery (such as de‑infibulation to open a sealed vaginal entrance).

Sexual and Psychological Impact

FGM deeply affects sexual health and mental well‑being:

• Sexual pain and difficulties
  • Pain during sex (dyspareunia), especially when the opening is very small or scars are tight.

* Reduced sexual pleasure or inability to reach orgasm because sensitive tissue (like the clitoris) is removed or damaged.

* Vaginal dryness and difficulty with penetration due to scarring and fear.

• Emotional and psychological effects
  • Post‑traumatic stress symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares), anxiety, and depression.

* Feelings of betrayal (often the procedure is arranged by trusted relatives), shame, or loss of bodily autonomy.

* Ongoing fear about childbirth or sexual relationships, especially when people know they may need surgical opening (de‑infibulation) later.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications

When a woman who has undergone FGM becomes pregnant, especially if infibulated, risks increase for both her and the baby:

• Obstructed labour due to rigid scar tissue and a narrowed vaginal opening.

• Higher risk of heavy bleeding, tears, and infection during birth.

• Greater chance of needing emergency procedures (such as de‑infibulation or caesarean section).

• Increased risk of stillbirth or newborn death in some settings, linked to FGM‑related complications.

Why It Is Still Done (Context, Not Justification)

Even though it is widely condemned, FGM continues in some communities for social and cultural reasons:

• Seen as a rite of passage or way to “prepare” a girl for marriage.

• Beliefs that it preserves virginity, cleanliness, or family honour.

• Strong social pressure and fear of stigma if a girl is not cut.

However, leading global health and human‑rights bodies stress there is no medical benefit , only harm, and many countries have laws banning FGM and campaigns to end it.

If You Or Someone You Know Is At Risk

• In many countries (including much of Europe and North America), FGM is illegal and considered child abuse when done to minors; health and social services can intervene to protect girls.

• Specialist clinics and support services exist to:
  • Offer medical care, including possible de‑infibulation or scar treatment.
  • Provide psychological support and trauma‑informed counseling.
  • Help with legal and safeguarding issues.

If you are personally affected or worried about someone:

• Talk to a trusted health professional (doctor, nurse, school nurse, midwife) who understands FGM.
• Ask about confidential support and your options for both physical and emotional care.

Bottom note (as you requested):
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.