Physiotherapy and rehabilitation for survivors of female genital mutilation/cutting: a scoping review.

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) affects more than 230 million girls and women worldwide and is associated with chronic pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, lower urinary tract symptoms, psychosexual dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. Although physiotherapy and rehabilitation may contribute to multidisciplinary care, the available evidence has not been comprehensively synthesised.

Objective: To map the existing evidence on physiotherapy and rehabilitation for women living with FGM/C and identify evidence gaps relevant to clinical practice and future research.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework, Levac et al.'s methodological enhancements, and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Electronic databases and grey literature were searched from inception to January 2026. Eligible studies included adolescent (≥ 15 years) and adult women living with FGM/C, together with rehabilitation-relevant studies involving healthcare professionals. Data were charted and synthesised narratively.

Results: Of 872 records identified, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most evidence was observational or descriptive, with only one randomized controlled trial and one rehabilitation-focused case report directly evaluating rehabilitation interventions. Frequently reported rehabilitation-related impairments included psychosexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, lower urinary tract symptoms, dyspareunia, and reduced quality of life. Reported rehabilitation approaches included pelvic floor rehabilitation, bladder retraining, biofeedback, psychosexual rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary care. Only one study included adolescents, and none specifically evaluated rehabilitation interventions for this population.

Conclusion: Women living with FGM/C experience substantial rehabilitation needs affecting physical, psychosexual, urinary, and psychosocial health. Although physiotherapy and rehabilitation are increasingly recognised as important components of multidisciplinary care, direct evidence evaluating rehabilitation interventions remains limited. Future research should prioritise rehabilitation-focused intervention studies, implementation research, and standardised outcome measures to strengthen the evidence base and inform comprehensive, survivor-centred care.