Health and Mental Health Consequences

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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