Question: what are the disadvantages of genital mutilation in women

Marta Maia answered on 17 Jul 2017:

Female genital mutilation, also known as female circumcision, is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. Procedures differ according to the country or ethnic group. They include removal of the clitoral hood and clitoral glans; removal of the inner labia; and removal of the inner and outer labia and closure of the vulva. In this last procedure, known as infibulation, a small hole is left for the passage of urine and menstrual fluid; the vagina is opened for intercourse and opened further for childbirth. The practice is rooted in gender inequality, attempts to control women’s sexuality, and ideas about purity, modesty and beauty. Health effects depend on the procedure. They can include recurrent infections, difficulty urinating and passing menstrual flow, chronic pain, the development of cysts, an inability to get pregnant, complications during childbirth, and fatal bleeding. There are no known health benefits.