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Akinsulure-Smith AM, Andjembe Etogho EB, Genco SH. Exploring the Role of Traditional Women Society Membership Among West African Immigrant Women Who Have Experienced Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. Violence Against Women 2023:10778012231181046. [PMID: 37350152 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231181046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
This study explores the complex nature of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) by juxtaposing the mental and sexual health of women who had undergone FGM/C as part of initiation/membership into a traditional women's society (TWS) with those who were also cut but not initiated into a TWS. While considerable differences emerged between TWS members and nonmembers, there was no evidence that TWS membership was protective against the physical and psychological trauma typically ascribed to FGM/C. In fact, the pattern of results would tend to suggest the opposite. Possible explanations for and implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simge Huyal Genco
- Department of Psychology, The City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Resulting in Genital Tract Obstruction and Sexual Dysfunction: A Case Report and Literature Review. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2021; 2021:9986542. [PMID: 34422420 PMCID: PMC8373488 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9986542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is the practice of cutting parts of the female external genitalia in fulfillment of sociocultural obligations and in some cases for nonmedical reasons. It is classified into 4 main types depending on the extent of cutting. Some forms of FGM/C are common in at least 29 countries globally, mainly in Africa. The overall prevalence of FGM/C in Ghana is approximately 4%. The motivation for this practice varies from community to community but includes the fulfillment of cultural values, uplifting the girl child, and, according to some reports, reducing sexual desire and promiscuity. The objective of this article is to illustrate how FGM/C resulted in sexual dysfunction in a young woman married for 2 years. We present a 19-year-old female who was subjected to female genital cutting in her formative years who presented with apareunia for 2 years in her marriage. We illustrated how FGM/C led to a genital tract obstruction with resultant sexual dysfunction. Examination revealed a Type 3 FGM/C (infibulation) with almost complete occlusion of the genital tract. She underwent a successful defibulation and resumed sexual activity with her husband within 6 weeks of the procedure.
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Johnson-Agbakwu CE, Manin E. Sculptors of African Women's Bodies: Forces Reshaping the Embodiment of Female Genital Cutting in the West. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:1949-1957. [PMID: 32328914 PMCID: PMC8275492 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01710-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Crista E Johnson-Agbakwu
- Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Arizona State University, MC 5120, 201 North Central Avenue, 33rd Floor, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
- Refugee Women's Health Clinic, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Valleywise Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | - Emily Manin
- Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Arizona State University, MC 5120, 201 North Central Avenue, 33rd Floor, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
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The lived experience of female genital cutting (FGC) in Somali-Canadian women's daily lives. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206886. [PMID: 30399181 PMCID: PMC6219790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Many of the Somali women who have immigrated to other countries, including Canada, have experienced Female Genital Circumcision/ Mutilation/ Cutting (FGC). While there is literature on the medical aspects of FGC, we were interested in understanding the daily life experiences and bodily sensations of Somali-Canadian women in the context of FGC. Fourteen women living in the Greater Toronto Area were interviewed. Interview data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. We found that the memory of the ceremonial cutting was vivid but was frequently described with acceptance and resignation–as something that just is; that was normal given the particular context, familial and cultural, and their young age. Most of the women recounted experiencing pain and discomfort throughout their adult lives but were intent on not noticing or giving the pain any power; they considered themselves healthy. The following themes emerged from our interviews: Every Body Had It: Discussing FGC, I’m Normal Aren’t I?, and Feeling in My Body–all themes that work at normalizing their bodies in a society that they know views them as different. They dealt with both pain and pleasure in the context of their busy lives suggesting resilience in spite of the day-to-day difficulties of daily life.
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Moaddab A, McCullough LB, Chervenak FA, Stark L, Schulkin J, Dildy GA, Raine SP, Shamshirsaz AA. A survey of honor-related practices among US obstetricians and gynecologists. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2017; 139:164-169. [DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Moaddab
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston TX USA
| | - Laurence B. McCullough
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Weill Medical College of Cornell University/New York Presbyterian Hospital; New York NY USA
| | - Frank A. Chervenak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Weill Medical College of Cornell University/New York Presbyterian Hospital; New York NY USA
| | - Lauren Stark
- Department of Research; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Washington DC USA
| | - Jay Schulkin
- Department of Research; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Washington DC USA
| | - Gary A. Dildy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston TX USA
| | - Susan P. Raine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston TX USA
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Gray B. How Should We Respond to Non-Dominant Healing Practices, the Example of Homeopathy. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2017; 14:87-96. [PMID: 27975156 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-016-9760-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The debate around the ethics of homeopathy in recent issues of the journal has been approached as a binary question; is homeopathy ethical or not? This paper suggests that this is an unhelpful question and instead discusses a framework to establish the extent to which the dominant (medical) culture should tolerate non-dominant health practices such as homeopathy. This requires a sophisticated understanding of the placebo effect, a critical evaluation of what evidence is available, a consideration of the harm that the non-dominant practice might cause, and a consideration of how this might be affected by the culture of the patient. This is presented as a matter of cultural competence. At a clinical level clinicians need to respect the values and beliefs of their patients and communicate with all the practitioners involved in a patient's care. At a societal level there are a number of factors to be considered when a community decides which practices to tolerate and to what extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Gray
- Otago University Wellington, 23A Mein Street, Newtown, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand.
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Sweileh WM. Bibliometric analysis of literature on female genital mutilation: (1930 - 2015). Reprod Health 2016; 13:130. [PMID: 27724920 PMCID: PMC5057489 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-016-0243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a common harmful traditional practice in many communities in Africa and to a lesser extent in Middle East and other regions in the world. In order to better understand publishing on this topic, we conducted a bibliometric study on FGM/C. Bibliometric analyses can be used as an indicator of the extent of interaction of researchers, health authorities, and communities with a particular health issue. Methods Scopus database was used to retrieve data on FGM/C. Keywords used were “female genital mutilation”, “female genital circumcision”, “female genital cutting” and “female circumcision”. Specifically, the number of publications, top productive countries and institutions, highly cited articles, citation analysis, co-authorships, international collaboration, role of African countries, top active authors, and journals involved in publishing articles on FGM/C were reviewed and analyzed. We indirectly assessed the impact of publications using total number of citations received, average number of citations per article, Hirsch-index, percentage of highly cited articles, and journal’s impact factor. Results One thousand and thirty-five publications on FGM/C were retrieved. The h-index of retrieved articles was 37. A steep rise in number of publications was noticed in mid-1990s and again in 2012. More than half of retrieved articles were published from 2006 – 2015. A total of 65 countries contributed. The top ten productive countries included ones from Northern America, Europe and Africa. Nigeria and Egypt were the most active African countries in FGM/C publications. At least nine African academic institutions were actively involved on FGM/C publications. Articles on FGM/C that received the highest number of citations were those that focused on negative physical and psychosexual consequences of FGM/C. Journal topic areas were obstetrics/gynecology, public health, and psychological sociology. Collaboration between African and European countries on FGM/C research was evident. Conclusion Bibliometric analysis reveals that research publications on FGM/C have been increasing since the l970s, with collaboration between African and Western countries, and articles are being published in higher impact journals, not only obstetrics, but also public health and social sciences. FGM/C research can be helpful to international health agencies and governments not only to document negative outcomes, but also to identify best practices, and to note gaps in implementation and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed M Sweileh
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine, State of Palestine.
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Abdulcadir J, Irion O, Tejada BM. Female genital mutilation/cutting type
IV
in Cambodia: a case report. Clin Case Rep 2015; 3:979-82. [PMID: 26732824 PMCID: PMC4693690 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Abdulcadir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Geneva University Hospitals 30 Bld de la Cluse 1211 Geneva 14 Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine University of Geneva Rue Michel‐Servet 1 1206 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Olivier Irion
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Geneva University Hospitals 30 Bld de la Cluse 1211 Geneva 14 Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine University of Geneva Rue Michel‐Servet 1 1206 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Begoña Martinez Tejada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Geneva University Hospitals 30 Bld de la Cluse 1211 Geneva 14 Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine University of Geneva Rue Michel‐Servet 1 1206 Geneva Switzerland
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Iglesia CB, Yurteri-Kaplan L, Alinsod R. Female genital cosmetic surgery: a review of techniques and outcomes. Int Urogynecol J 2013; 24:1997-2009. [PMID: 23695382 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-013-2117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aesthetic and functional procedures that comprise female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) include traditional vaginal prolapse procedures as well as cosmetic vulvar and labial procedures. The line between cosmetic and medically indicated surgical procedures is blurred, and today many operations are performed for both purposes. The contributions of gynecologists and reconstructive pelvic surgeons are crucial in this debate. Aesthetic vaginal surgeons may unintentionally blur legitimate female pelvic floor disorders with other aesthetic conditions. In the absence of quality outcome data, the value of FGCS in improving sexual function remains uncertain. Women seeking FGCS need to be educated about the range and variation of labia widths and genital appearance, and should be evaluated for true pelvic support disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Women seeking FGCS should also be screened for psychological conditions and should act autonomously without coercion from partners or surgeons with proprietary conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl B Iglesia
- Section of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA,
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Attitudes toward Female Circumcision among Men and Women in Two Districts in Somalia: Is It Time to Rethink Our Eradication Strategy in Somalia? Obstet Gynecol Int 2013; 2013:312734. [PMID: 23710186 PMCID: PMC3654358 DOI: 10.1155/2013/312734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Somalia has the highest global prevalence (98%) of female circumcision (FC), and, despite a long history of abandonment efforts, it is not clear as to whether or not these programmes have changed people's positive attitudes toward the practice. Against this background, this paper explores the attitudes of Somalis living in Hargeisa and Galkayo districts to the practice of FC. Methods. A purposive sampling of 24 Somalis, including activists and practitioners, men and women, was conducted in Somalia. Unstructured interviews were employed to explore the participants' knowledge of FC, their attitudes toward the continuation/discontinuation of the practice, and the type they want to continue or not to continue. Result. The findings of this qualitative study indicate that there is a strong resistance towards the abandonment of the practice in Somalia. The support for the continuation of Sunna circumcision is widespread, while there is a quite large rejection of Pharaonic circumcision. Conclusion. Therefore, since the "zero tolerance policy" has failed to change people's support for the continuation of the practice in Somalia, programmes that promote the pinch of the clitoral skin and verbal alteration of status, with the goal of leading to total abandonment of FC, should be considered for the Somali context.
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Abstract
Aesthetic genital surgery seems to have become a fashionable issue nowadays. Many procedures and techniques have been described these last years, but very few long-term results or follow up studies are available. The novelty of this aspect of plastic surgery and the lack of evidence-based interventions, have led to a comparison with female genital mutilation. In this article, the authors provide an overview of the possible surgical procedures as well as the general principles of aesthetic surgery of the female genitalia.
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Gele AA, Kumar B, Hjelde KH, Sundby J. Attitudes toward female circumcision among Somali immigrants in Oslo: a qualitative study. Int J Womens Health 2012; 4:7-17. [PMID: 22312195 PMCID: PMC3271810 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s27577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its negative impact on public health, female circumcision (FC) has gained increased attention from international communities and the Norwegian public in recent decades. In 1995, the Norwegian government outlawed the practice and simultaneously developed a package of measures aimed at preventing and ultimately eradicating FC in Norway. Like many other Western countries, immigrants of Somali descent constitute the largest immigrant group in Norway from countries with FC traditions. Although this immigrant group is often perceived as a cultural society that supports FC generally as a practice, there appears to be a lack of studies that explore the impact of acculturation and the Western social context on Somali immigrants’ attitudes toward the practice. Against this background, this paper explores the attitudes of Somalis living in Oslo, Norway to the practice of FC. Findings from this qualitative study indicate that Somalis in Oslo have, to a large extent, changed their attitude toward the practice. This was proven by the presence in Oslo of a large number of Somali parents who left their daughters uncut as well as Somali girls, boys, men, and women who attribute being uncircumcised a high status. This study adds to the knowledge of the process of abandonment of FC among immigrants in the Western countries. The study highlights the success that has been achieved in improving attitudes toward the practice of the Somali community in Oslo, Norway, as well as emerging challenges that need to be addressed further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdi A Gele
- The Department of Social Science, Oslo University College, Oslo, Norway
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Paarlberg KM, Weijenborg PTM. Request for operative reduction of the labia minora; a proposal for a practical guideline for gynecologists. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2008; 29:230-4. [PMID: 19065393 DOI: 10.1080/01674820802291942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase in women's request for labia reduction surgery raises medical and ethical dilemmas for the gynecological surgeon. A bio-psycho-social approach is suggested; the problem is put forward from the perspective of the medical ethical principles and a practical guideline is proposed.
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Cantor JD. When an adult female seeks ritual genital alteration: ethics, law, and the parameters of participation. Plast Reconstr Surg 2006; 117:1158-64; discussion 1165-6. [PMID: 16582781 DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000204579.35463.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ritual genital cutting for women, a common practice in Africa and elsewhere around the world, remains dangerous and controversial. In recent years, a 14-year-old girl living in Sierra Leone exsanguinated and died following a ritualistic genital cutting. Hoping to avoid that fate, women with backgrounds that accept ritual genital cutting may, when they reach majority age, ask plastic surgeons to perform genital alterations for cultural reasons. Although plastic surgeons routinely perform cosmetic procedures, unique ethical and legal concerns arise when an adult female patient asks a surgeon to spare her the tribal elder's knife and alter her genitalia according to tradition and custom. Misinformation and confusion about this issue exist. This article explores the ethical and legal issues relevant to this situation and explains how the thoughtful surgeon should proceed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie D Cantor
- Yale University School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Green FJ. From clitoridectomies to ‘designer vaginas’: The medical construction of heteronormative female bodies and sexuality through female genital cutting. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1080/14616660500200223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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