Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut or changed, but there's no medical reason for this to be done. It's also known as female circumcision or cutting.
FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, often before puberty starts.
It's illegal in Ireland and is child abuse. It's also illegal to remove a girl from Ireland to mutilate her genitals abroad.
It's very painful and can seriously harm the health of women and girls. It can also cause long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health.
Who is affected by FGM
FGM is known to happen globally in 31 countries, mostly in Africa. FGM is not a traditional practice in Ireland.
About 6,000 women living in Ireland have experienced FGM before they moved here.
People or women living in Ireland who have received FGM are mainly from:
- Egypt
- Sudan
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Somalia
Why FGM is carried out
FGM is carried out for various cultural, religious and social reasons within families and communities. It is based on the mistaken belief that it will benefit the girl in some way. For example, as a preparation for marriage or to preserve her virginity.
But there are no acceptable reasons that justify FGM. It's a harmful practice that has no health benefits.
FGM usually happens to girls whose mothers, grandmothers or extended female family members have had FGM themselves. Sometimes it happens because the father comes from a community where it is common.
If someone is at risk from FGM
If you're worried about a girl being at risk of FGM, you can contact:
- your local Garda (police) station
- your local duty social worker in Tusla (the Child and Family Agency)
FGM is illegal. It's also a crime to take a girl to another country for FGM. Anyone facilitating it can be jailed.
FGM advice for healthcare professionals
If you're a health professional caring for a patient under 18 who's had FGM, you have professional responsibilities to safeguard and protect her.
FGM information for healthcare professionals working in Ireland (PDF, 455 KB, 32 pages)
Types of FGM
There are 4 main types of FGM:
- type 1 (clitoridectomy) - removing all, or part of, the clitoris
- type 2 (excision) - removing all, or part of, the clitoris and the inner labia (the lips that surround the vagina), with or without removal of the labia majora (the larger outer lips)
- type 3 (infibulation) - narrowing the vaginal opening by cutting and changing the position of the labia
- other harmful procedures to the female genitals, such as pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping or burning the area
FGM is often performed by traditional circumcisers or cutters who do not have any medical training. But in some countries it may be done by a medical professional.
Anaesthetics and antiseptics are not generally used.
FGM is often carried out using:
- knives
- scissors
- scalpels
- pieces of glass
- razor blades
FGM generally happens against a girl's will. Girls may have to be forcibly restrained.
Effects of FGM
There are no health benefits to FGM.
It can cause serious harm, including:
- constant pain
- pain and difficulty having sex
- repeated infections, which can lead to infertility
- bleeding, cysts and abscesses
- problems peeing or holding pee in (incontinence)
- flashbacks, depression and self-harm
- problems during labour and childbirth, which can be life threatening for mother and baby
Some girls die from blood loss or infection as a direct result of the procedure.
FGM and sex
FGM can make it difficult and painful to have sex. It can also result in reduced sexual desire and a lack of pleasurable sensation.
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP or another healthcare professional if:
- you have sexual problems that you feel may be caused by FGM
They can refer you to a special therapist who can help.
In some cases, a surgical procedure called a deinfibulation may be recommended. This can provide relief and improve some symptoms.
FGM and pregnancy
Some women with FGM may find it difficult to become pregnant, or they may have problems in childbirth.
If you're expecting a baby, your midwife will normally ask if you have had FGM at your antenatal appointment.
It's important to tell your midwife if you think this has happened to you. They can arrange suitable care for you and you baby.
Female genital mutilation and pregnancy
FGM and mental health
FGM can be an extremely traumatic experience that can cause emotional difficulties throughout life, including;
- depression
- anxiety
- flashbacks to the time of the cutting
- nightmares and other sleep problems
In some cases, women may not remember having the FGM at all, especially if it was done when they were very young.
Non-urgent advice: Talk to a GP or another healthcare professional if:
- you're having emotional or mental health problems that may be a result of FGM
Help and support is available.
Treatment for FGM
Surgery can be performed to open up the entrance to the vagina, if necessary. This is called deinfibulation.
It's sometimes known as a reversal. This name is misleading as the procedure does not replace any removed tissue and will not undo the damage caused. But it can help certain problems caused by FGM.
Surgery may be recommended for:
- women who are unable to have sex or have difficulty peeing as a result of FGM
- pregnant women at risk of problems during labour or delivery as a result of FGM
Deinfibulation should be carried out before getting pregnant, if possible.
It can be done during pregnancy or labour if necessary. Talk to your midwife or doctor to decide what is best for you.
What happens during deinfibulation surgery
The surgery involves making a cut (incision) to open the scar tissue at the entrance to the vagina.
You will be given anaesthetic and pain relief for the surgery. Your healthcare team will discuss care options with you according to your own needs and preferences.
Most people will choose to have a general anaesthetic (this means you will be asleep during the surgery). Some people prefer an injection in the back (spinal anaesthetic) or a numbing injection to the area itself (local anaesthetic).
Most people can go home the same day after the surgery. But some people may need an overnight hospital stay.
If you are in labour
If you are in labour, the surgery may be performed under spinal or epidural anaesthetic (an injection in the back) or local anaesthetic. This is done while you are in labour, before the baby is born. You are not asleep but you cannot feel anything during the surgery.
Talk to your doctor or midwife to discuss what is best for you.
FGM support
Support is available for women who have had FGM.
Free care and counselling
All women and girls in Ireland who have had FGM can get access to free care and counselling.
This includes a free FGM treatment service in the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) in Dublin.
Anyone living anywhere in Ireland can make an appointment. You do not need your doctor or GP to refer you.
Free FGM treatment service - ifpa.ie
FGM Treatment Service
Irish Family Planning Association,
Dublin City Centre Clinic,
5/7 Cathal Brugha Street,
Dublin 1, DO1F9K7
Freephone: 01 872 7088
FGM Treatment Service confidential line: 085 877 1342 (phone or text)
Akidwa
Akidwa is a national network of migrant women living in Ireland. The organisation provides support to women and people living with FGM.
Phone 01 834 9851
Email info@akidwa.ie