Female genital mutilation (female circumcision)

Forms of FGM

There are four main types of FGM:

Type 1 (clitoridectomy) removing part or all of the clitoris.
Type 2 (excision) removing part or all of the clitoris and the inner labia (lips that surround the vagina), with or without removal of the labia majora (larger outer lips).
Type 3(infibulation) narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a seal, formed by cutting and repositioningthe labia.
Other harmful procedures to the female genitals, including pricking, piercing, cutting, scrapingor burning the area.

FGM is oftenperformed by traditional circumcisers or cutters who do not have any medical training.However, in some countries it may be done by a medical professional.

Anaesthesia and antiseptics aren't generally used, and FGMis often carried out using knives, scissors, scalpels, pieces of glass or razor blades.

FGM often happens against a girl's will without her consent and girls may have to be forcibly restrained.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for female genital mutilation (female circumcision)

Introduction

Find out what female genital mutilation (FGM) is, why and where's it carried out, what the health risks are, and where to get help and advice.

Forms of FGM

There are four main types of FGM: Type 1 (clitoridectomy) removing part or all of the clitoris. Type 2 (excision) removing part or all of the clitoris and the inner labia (lips that surround th

Effects of FGM

There are no health benefits to FGM and it can cause serious harm, including: constant pain pain and/or difficulty having sex repeated infections, which can lead to infertility bleeding, cysts a

Treatment for FGM(deinfibulation)

Surgery can be performed to open up the vagina, if necessary. This is called deinfibulation. It's sometimes known as a "reversal" although this name is misleading, as the procedure doesnt replace any

Getting help and support

All women and girls have the right to control what happens to their bodies and the right to say no to FGM. Help is available if you've had FGM or you're worried that you or someone you know is at ris

FGM is carried out for various cultural, religious and social reasons within families and communities in the mistaken belief that it will benefit the girl in some way (for example, as a preparation fo

Where FGM is carried out

Girls are sometimes taken abroad for FGM, but they may not be aware that this is the reason for their travel. Girls are more at risk of FGM being carried out during the summer holidays, as this allows

The law and FGM

FGM is illegal in the UK. It is an offence to: perform FGM (including taking a childabroad for FGM) help a girl perform FGM on herself in or outside the UK help anyone perform FGM in the UK help

Download the Statement Opposing FGM

The summer holidays are when many young girls are taken abroad, often to their family's birth country, to have FGM performed. The FGM statement, also known as the FGM health passport, highlights the f

Leaflets to download

The Department of Health has published leaflets for patients who want to know more about FGM. These are available in the following languages: More about FGM English version (PDF, 117kb) Mwy o w

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