Sexual disorders among Kurdish married women with female genital mutilation (FGM) in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract

Introduction: Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to removing female genitalia for no medical reason. FGM is still prevalent and practiced in traditional societies like the Kurdistan region of Iraq. It is associated with numerous negative psychological and physical consequences. The present study was an investigation into the lived experiences of Kurdish women and girls who have undergone FGM to figure out their sexual disorders. Methods: Using Van Manen’s (1990) hermeneutic phenomenological method, a qualitative study was conducted on 20 Iraqi-Kurdish circumcised women in Mala Afandi Health center in Erbil city from July 2021 to November 2021. Required data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with the women. Data analysis was conducted through the six methodological activities proposed by Van Manen, and relevant themes were extracted. Based on the analysis of the transcriptions of the interviews, the women stated that they were circumcised because of tradition and religion. This theme was labelled as “victims of tradition and religion”. They also revealed their failure to enjoy their sexual intercourses with their husbands, which was labelled as “sexual dysfunction and disinterest”. Finally, they referred about the pain and the mental and emotional effects of FGM, which was labelled as “physical and psychological trauma”.