New WHO study details long-term health consequences of FGM

A new study published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN's Human Reproduction Programme (HRP) highlights the extensive, long-term health complications caused by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Published in BMC Public Health, the study titled "Exploring the health complications of female genital mutilation through a systematic review and meta-analysis" draws on data from 78 studies encompassing nearly 487,000 women across approximately 30 countries. It offers a comprehensive analysis of how FGM impacts the health of survivors at every stage of life.

While the findings may not come as a surprise to survivors and advocates, the research reinforces what has long been known: FGM causes serious and lasting physical and mental harm, such as :

Obstetric and neonatal complications: 
Women with FGM are 2.6 times more likely to experience prolonged or obstructed labour. The risk of stillbirth or neonatal death is 1.6 times higher for women with FGM and remains elevated for those with Types I and II. FGM more than doubles the risk of perineal tears, with the highest risk seen in Types II and III (2.2 times more likely). The likelihood of requiring an episiotomy is also increased, especially with Types II and III, where the risk is up to 6.6 times higher. Postpartum hemorrhage is 2.2 times more likely among women with FGM, and 1.3 times more likely for those with Types I and II. FGM also increases the chance of an extended hospital stay after birth by 2.8 times. Newborn asphyxia is 1.8 times more likely when the mother has undergone FGM, although no significant link was found for Types II and III.

Gynecological issues:
Women with any type of FGM are more than twice as likely to experience tissue damage, including keloids, neuromas, and vulvar cysts. For those with FGM Types I and II, the risk is over nine times higher. Women with FGM also face a nearly twofold increased risk of reproductive tract infections. They are 1.7 times more likely to experience menstrual problems, and for Types I and II, that risk rises to more than three times higher.

Urological health effects:
Women with any type of FGM are over 3.5 times more likely to suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs), with a similarly high risk for those with FGM Types I and II. They are also nearly twice as likely to experience urinary difficulties such as retention and painful urination (dysuria).

Mental health effects:
Women with FGM are nearly twice as likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and almost three times more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety. They also face a 70% higher likelihood of developing somatoform disorders, physical symptoms with no identifiable medical cause.

Sexual health effects:
Women with any type of FGM are nearly four times more likely to experience painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). They are also over three times more likely to report sexual dysfunction compared to women who have not undergone FGM

This study reinforces the extensive, lifelong harm caused by FGM and underscores the urgent need for prevention. As a fully preventable practice, the health complications it causes are also preventable. These findings should guide clinical care, inform training for health workers, and strengthen efforts to eliminate FGM once and for all.

Read the full study here

*Please note that the percentages presented are extracted from multiple studies included in the review, each involving different sample sizes, populations, and types of FGM.