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What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
This is also referred to as Female Genital Cutting (FGC) .It is defined as the practice that involves the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia, the vulva for socio-cultural rather than medical reasons. There are four different types depending on the severity of the procedure performed.

• Reasons for performing FGM

• Psychosexual reason: These include attenuating sexual desires among females, ensuring their chastity and virginity before marriage.
• Sociological reasons :i.e. identifying with existing cultural heritage
• Hygienic and aesthetic reason: This is the belief that the external female genitalia can accumulate dirt and is aesthetically unappealing.
• Mythical reasons: This is the belief that FGM enhances fertility in women and promotes child survival.
• Religious injunctions and practices by Muslims, Christians and traditionalists in different communities.

• FGM prevalence
  FGM is widely practiced in Nigeria, especially in some parts of the southwestern, southeastern and South-South parts of Nigeria.



• Health Complications
  The health implications of FGM range from immediate or short term consequences to long-term health complications.

• Immediate or Short Term complications
  Include severe pain, shock, haemorrhage, tetanus, urine retention, ulceration of the genital region and injury to adjacent tissue In an increasing number of cases, the heamorrhage and infection can lead to premature death, also the risk of contacting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is inevitable because of exposure.
  
• The long-term consequences
  Include cysts and abscesses, keloid scare formation, damage to the urethra resulting in urinary incontinence, dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse) and sexual dysfunction. Infibulation, in particular, can cause severe scar formation, difficulty in urinating and during menstruation, recurrent bladder and urinary tract infection and infertility. This can also increase the risk of maternal deaths and stillbirths, particularly in the absence of skilled health personnel and appropriate facilities.  

Having read the reasons for the practice of FGM and its health implications for Girls and Women:

• What are your views on this gender issue?
• Should the practice continue or not? Please state reasons for your answer.
• If you think the practice should not continue, please suggest strategies to its eradication.

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