The Impact of Migration on Attitudes to Female Genital Cutting and Experiences of Sexual Dysfunction Among Migrant Women with FGC

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review was to explore current research on the impact of migration on issues related to female genital cutting and sexuality.

Recent Findings

There is growing evidence that migration results in a broad opposition to female genital cutting among concerned migrant groups in western countries. In addition, after migration, affected women live in the midst of a dominant discourse categorizing them as “mutilated” and sexually disfigured. There is also, in contrast to what is shown by most research, a public discourse saying that female genital cutting (FGC) leads to lost capacity to enjoy sex. Concurrently, a vast body of research demonstrates a strong correlation between a negative body image or body shame and sexual dysfunction.

Summary

Care for women with FGC needs to be holistic and, while offering medical care when needed, the health care providers should avoid feeding into self-depreciatory body images and notions about lost ability to enjoy sexual life.