Health and Mental Health Consequences

FGM/C always causes health problems—immediately after the procedure and often for the rest of a person’s life. In addition to the physical consequences, many survivors also suffer severe psychological distress.
 

Physical Consequences

Short-term:

• severe pain

• bleeding and infections

• shock

Medium- and long-term:

• Chronic inflammation, recurrent urinary tract infections

• Difficulty urinating

• Painful or irregular menstruation

• Scarring, cysts, fistulas

• Sexual dysfunction

• Infertility

• Serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth (e.g., prolonged labor, tears, necessary defibulation)

Psychological and Social Consequences

• Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances

• Feelings of shame and guilt

• Challenges related to sexuality and relationships

• Social withdrawal and isolation, especially in cases of physical limitations

• Loss of body confidence and long-term emotional distress