How does FGM/C affect my physical health?

Undergoing female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) can cause both immediate and long-term physical health consequences. You may experience some or none of the symptoms listed below. Discuss any symptoms you suspect could be the result of FGM/C with your health care provider.

How can FGM/C affect my physical health?

Severe Pain¹^,²^,³^,⁴
Heavy bleeding¹^,²^,³^,⁴
Bacterial or Viral infection¹^,²^,⁴
Injury to nearby tissue¹^,²^,⁴
Difficulty urinating¹^,³^,⁴

Chronic genital/pelvic infections¹^,²^,³^,⁴^,⁵
Long-term urinary problems¹^,²^,³^,⁴^,⁶
Genital scars such as cysts or keloids ¹^,²^,³^,⁴^,⁶
Pain or reduced sexual pleasure ¹^,³^,⁴^,⁶
Infertility linked to chronic infections²^,⁶

Does FGM/C affect my sexual health?

FGM/C can affect sexual health differently for each women. Some may experience pain, reduced arousal, or difficulty with orgasm due to scarring and changes in tissue flexibility, while others may not notice significant changes. Outcomes also vary by the type of FGM/C.

Studies show that FGM/C is associated with higher rates of pain during intercourse and decreased sexual satisfaction⁷^,⁸More recent research comparing different types of cutting found variations in sexual function among women.⁹

What should I know about pregnancy and FGM/C?

1. Talk to your health care provider.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your health care provider early. They may refer you to an ob-gyn who has experience caring for women affected by FGM/C. You can also access resources that help connect you with clinicians trained in FGM/C care.¹

2. Be prepared for the health care provider to give you a physical exam.

This lets your health care provider determine what impact, if any, FGM/C may have on your pregnancy.¹

3. Talk to your health care provider about definfibulation (for Type 3 FGM/C).

Your health care provider may advise you to have deinfibulation done if you have type 3 FGM/C. Deinfibulation is when the skin is cut open in order for a woman to be able to deliver a baby vaginally, have sex, or undergo certain procedures such as pap smears.10 Most physicians and midwives will encourage you to have a vaginal delivery and therefore to first undergo deinfibulation.¹¹^,¹²

4. Prepare a birth plan that's right for you.

You and your healthcare provider should develop a detailed birth plan when you do get pregnant.¹³ Don't be afraid to ask questions regarding the procedures, hospital policies, and expectation throughout the process. For example, some hospitals do not allow water births, while others will.¹⁴

5. Talk to your health care provider about postpartum care.

The six weeks following delivery are crucial for you and your baby's health.¹⁵ Your provider will tell you when to come in for your post-partum checkup and what to expect afterwards, including vaginal changes, vaginal soreness, and mood changes.¹⁵

6. Check out these additional resources:

Learn about pregnancy from A to Z, click here.
Find out how your body is changing each week.
Eat healthy foods while pregnant.
Get the right vaccines to protect your baby.
Build a team of family, friends, and health care providers to help you after the baby is born.

In their own words

A survivor describes her experience speaking to a gynecologist about her constant urge to urinate:

Why am I having difficulty peeing?