GPAtlas🧭 When to suspect
Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons. It has no health benefits, causes lifelong physical, sexual and psychological harm, and is recognised in the UK as a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls. It is illegal under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (and has been unlawful since 1985).
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies FGM into four types. Knowing the type matters, because Type 3 (infibulation) is the form most likely to need surgical reversal (de-infibulation) before intercourse or childbirth.
| WHO type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type 1 – clitoridectomy | Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and/or the prepuce (clitoral hood). |
| Type 2 – excision | Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora, with or without removal of the labia majora. Can be subtle. |
| Type 3 – infibulation | Narrowing of the vaginal opening by a covering seal, formed by cutting and repositioning the labia, with or without removal of the clitoral glans. Often only a small opening remains. |
| Type 4 – other | All other harmful non-medical procedures, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping or cauterising the genital area. |
The primary-care task is twofold: recognise and support women and girls who have already had FGM, and safeguard girls who may be at risk. Be alert to FGM in any woman or girl from a community where it is practised – chiefly parts of Africa (highest prevalence in the north-east, e.g. Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea), and parts of Asia and the Middle East. Suspect a child is at risk where there is a known case in the mother or a sibling, where the family expresses support for the practice, or where a female child is to be taken abroad for a “special holiday”, party or ceremony – risk is highest over the summer holidays, allowing time to “heal” before returning to school.
Source: NICE NG76 · Home Office (multi-agency statutory guidance on FGM)
🔒 Sign up free to read the full topic
You're viewing a free preview. Create a free account to unlock the rest.
Sign up free →Sample topics are open to everyone in the Free Sample Bundle.