Health Implications

What are the health implications for someone who goes through FGM?

Short term health implications include: severe pain and shock; broken limbs from being held down;
infection; increased risk of HIV and AIDS; urine retention; injury to adjacent tissues and immediate
fatal haemorrhaging.

Long term health implications include: uterus, vaginal and pelvic infections; cysts and neuromas; infertility; increased risk of fistula; complications in pregnancy and child birth; sexual dysfunction;
difficulties in menstruation; considerable psycho-sexual, psychological and social consequences; trauma; flashbacks and depression.

An estimated 10% of victims die from short-term effects and 25% from recurrent problems.