Female genital mutilation (FGM) and the lower urinary tract |
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| Authors: | Sarah M. Creighton MD FRCOG |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Women's Health, University College London Hospital, London WC1 2PG, UK |
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| Abstract: | Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as comprising various procedures which remove or damage the external female genital organs for no medical reason. FGM has no health benefits and is recognized to cause severe short and long term damage to both physical and psychological health. Although FGM is primarily performed in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, migration of FGM practising communities means that the health professionals worldwide need to be aware of the impact of FGM on health. FGM is almost always performed on children but the health implications of FGM are life‐long. FGM can cause immediate and long term damage to urinary function. In addition FGM may be detected during investigations for urinary symptoms which may be related or unrelated to the patient's FGM. Health professionals caring for girls and women with urinary symptoms must be aware of the clinical presentation of FGM and management options. They must also understand the legal implications of FGM and the role of health professionals in safeguarding girls from FGM as well as their own responsibilities for recording and reporting information about FGM. |
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| Keywords: | Education Female perspectives Multicultural issues Reproduction health Sexual health Woman's health |
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