Abstract
(1) Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is associated with physical and psychological complications. However, there is scarce literature on how women with FGM/C respond to treatment interventions. (2) Methods: In the present pilot longitudinal study, we assessed changes in general psychopathology (Symptom Check List-90-R), sexual functioning and distress (Female Sexual Function Index, Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) female sexual dysfunction criteria), body image (Body Shape Questionnaire), and sexual body image (Female Genital Self-Image Scale) in a sample of n = 15 women with FGM/C before and after reconstructive surgery. (3) Results: Sexual distress was significantly improved following surgery. We also observed an improvement in general psychopathology and genital self-image. However, sexual function was not improved. (4) Conclusions: These results provide evidence for the benefits of reconstructive surgery on sexual distress in women with FGM/C. The impact of surgery on sexual function cannot be conclusively evaluated.
Highlights
The World Health Organization has defined female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) as any intentional procedure to partly or entirely remove external female genitalia, or any injury to the female genitalia that is non-therapeutic [1]
We observed an improvement in general psychopathology and genital self-image
(4) Conclusions: These results provide evidence for the benefits of reconstructive surgery on sexual distress in women with FGM/C
Summary
The World Health Organization has defined female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) as any intentional procedure to partly or entirely remove external female genitalia, or any injury to the female genitalia that is non-therapeutic [1]. FGM/C has been classified into four different types depending on the extent to which genital tissue is removed. FGM/C is performed for different reasons, but usually as a ritual representing the shift to womanhood and obtaining legitimacy as new member of the community [2,3,4]. It is considered a violation of human rights of the affected individuals [1] and, in Europe, several initiatives and policies have been formed to address it [5]
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