Consequences

Acute and chronic complications arise as a consequence of genital mutilation procedures:

Acute complications: Psychologically acute trauma, infections (formation of abscesses, general infections, septic shock, HIV infection, tetanus), problems during the act of urination, injury to neighbouring organs and fractures, severe bleeding, shock, anaemia, death)

Chronic bodily complications: Infertility, urinary tract infection, incontinence, vaginal crystals, complications with scar tissue, complications during pregnancy and birth (complications in vaginal examinations, lengthening of the second phase of childbirth, increased mortality of mother and child)

Besides the life-long health consequences, there are grave psychological and social consequences - both for the victims and the entire society:

Genital mutilation usually inflicts severe and inextinguishable trauma to the body and soul. The entire process can imprint itself deeply into the girl’s subconscious and be the cause of personality disorders. A further serious result is the loss of trust on the part of the girl towards her parents and guardians. Long-term these women may live with a feeling of incompleteness and suffer from anger, depression, chronic irritability, sexual disorders and relationship conflicts. Many women traumatised by genital mutilation have no possibility to express their feelings and fears and suffer in silence. more…