Abstract
BackgroundThe existing literature is contradictory regarding effects of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) on sexual functions. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of type I and II FGM/C on sexual function of Egyptian women.MethodsWe recruited 197 cut women and 197 control women from those visiting Assiut University hospitals for different reasons. We asked each woman to fill the Arabic female sexual function index (FSFI) (a self reported 19-item questionnaire assessing the main domains of female sexual function). Genital Examination was done to confirm the type of FGM.ResultsFemale sexual dysfunction (FSD) was found in 83.8% of FGM/C cases in contrast to 64.5% of the control. The total FSFI score in the FGM/C group (19.82 ± 7.1) was significantly lower than in the control group (23.34 ± 8.1). Concerning the types of FGM/C, type 73.6% of cases had type I and 26.4% had type II. Type I FGM/C was performed mainly by physicians (62.1%) while type II was performed mainly by midwives (44.4%).FSD was found in 83.4% of FGM/C I cases and in 84.6% of FGM/C II cases. There was no statistically significant difference between the two types of FGM/C as regards total and individual domain scores except for the pain domain. There were significantly lower total and individual domain scores in both FGM/C types except for the desire domain compared to control.ConclusionIn this study, FGM/C was associated with reduced scores of FSFI on all domains scores, and among both types I and II, both were associated with sexual dysfunction.
Highlights
The existing literature is contradictory regarding effects of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) on sexual functions
In conclusion: we have demonstrated that both type I and type II of Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) are associated with sexual dysfunction
The current study revealed a significant association between FGM/C and decline in the female sexual functions with significant difference between cases and control in the total and individual female sexual function index (FSFI) domain scores
Summary
The existing literature is contradictory regarding effects of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) on sexual functions. Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a common injurious traditional practice in many countries in Africa, Middle East and other regions around the globe [1]. It was defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “all procedures that lead to partial or complete excision of the external female genitalia or other forms of injury to the female genital organs for non-medical causes” [2]. Type II: Excision; partial or complete removal of the clitoris and labia minora, with or without removal of labia majora. Type III: Infibulation; reduction of the vaginal orifice with a seal formed by cutting and repositioning of labia minora and/or labia majora, with or without removal of the clitoris. In Egypt types I and II are the most frequently used methods while Types III and IV are fairly rare [3]
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