Female circumcision is a procedure that involves removing part or all of the external female genitalia. Female circumcision is not performed for medical reasons, and can actually have a negative impact on health.
The term female circumcision is actually not correct. A more appropriate term for this procedure is female genital mutilation ( female genital mutilation ). The reason is, not only the foreskin or the fold of skin that surrounds the clitoris that is removed in this procedure, but also the clitoris itself.
Female circumcision or female genital mutilation is quite common in Africa and the Middle East. It is estimated that more than 200 million women worldwide have undergone this procedure. The majority of these women were circumcised before they were 15 years old.
Since 1997, this procedure has been banned from being practiced. Apart from being carried out without medical skills or indications, female circumcision also has a negative impact on health.
Female Circumcision and its Types
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines female circumcision or female genital mutilation as any procedure that involves the removal of part or all of the external female genitalia.
Female circumcision is generally performed for social and cultural reasons. In some cultures, this procedure is a requirement for a woman to marry. While in some other cultures, female circumcision is a form of respect for a woman to her family.
In general, there are four types of female circumcision, namely:
- Type 1
This type of female circumcision is also known as a clitoridectomy. In this type, part or all of the clitoris is removed.
- Type 2
In type 2 female circumcision, not only part or all of the clitoris is removed, but also the labia. The labia are the inner and outer "lips" that surround the vagina.
- Type 3
In type 3 female circumcision, the labia are sewn together to make the vaginal opening smaller. This type of female circumcision is also known as infibulation.
- Type 4
Type 4 female circumcision includes all types of procedures that damage the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, including stabbing, cutting, scraping, or burning.
About 90% of female circumcision cases are type 1, 2, or 4. While the remaining 10% or more are type 3 female circumcision.
The Impact of Female Circumcision on Health
Female circumcision is a dangerous practice and can have a negative impact on health. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) is against all forms of female circumcision and strongly urges healthcare providers not to perform this procedure even if the patient or patient's family requests it.
Unlike male circumcision, female circumcision does not have any health benefits. On the other hand, this procedure can actually cause various complaints, such as:
1. Mental health problems
Female circumcision can make women who undergo it experience psychological trauma and depression. If sustained, this mental disorder can even lead to suicidal ideation.
2. Cyst
Female circumcision risks causing cysts and abscesses to form.
3. Bleeding
Bleeding can occur due to cut blood vessels in the clitoris or other blood vessels around the genitals during the female circumcision procedure.
4. Interference in having sex
Damage to the very sensitive genital tissue, especially the clitoris, can cause decreased sexual desire, pain during sex, difficulty with penile penetration, decreased lubrication during intercourse, and reduced or absent orgasms (anorgasmia).
5. Constant pain
Cutting the nerve endings and genital tissue can cause excruciating pain. Not only that, the healing period is also painful.
6. Infection
Infection can occur due to the use of used and contaminated tools. Many types of infections can occur as a result of this procedure. One of them is tetanus which can cause death.
7. Urinary disorders
Women who undergo female circumcision can experience urinary problems, such as pain when urinating or not being able to urinate.
8. Disturbances in labor
Due to the narrowing of the birth canal, female circumcision, especially in type 3, can cause difficult delivery, tears in the birth canal, bleeding after delivery, and prolonged labor that can threaten the lives of both mother and baby.
Therapy for Women Undergoing FGM
To reduce the problems caused by female circumcision, an operation to open the vagina can be performed, also known as deinfibulation. However, please note that this procedure cannot replace lost tissue or reverse damage that has already been done.
Deinfibulation surgery is usually recommended for the following conditions:
- Women who can't have sex or have trouble urinating
- Pregnant women who are at risk for problems during childbirth
Deinfibulation should be performed before pregnancy. However, if forced, this operation can still be done during pregnancy, but ideally should be before the last 2 months of pregnancy.
The operation is performed by making an incision to open the scar tissue above the vaginal entrance. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and the patient does not need to be hospitalized afterward. However, in some cases, general anesthesia or an injection in the back (epidural) is required.
In essence, female circumcision is not a procedure performed for health reasons. On the contrary, undergoing this procedure can cause many health problems.
If you or someone around you has undergone female circumcision and feels the various complaints described above, see a doctor immediately so that they can be treated.
Written by:
dr. Sonny Seputra, M.Ked.Klin, Sp.B, FINACS
(Surgeon Specialist)