Sexual consequences of female genital mutilation/cutting : A comparative study

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is still a wide spread practice in Egypt in spite of its criminalization in 2008.  Objective: This cross sectional study was carried out to assess female sexuality in a large cohort of Egyptian women exposed to FGM/C compared to those who were not exposed to it.  Patients and Methods: A large sample of married Egyptian women participated in this study. They were divided into 2 equal groups (1000 women each). Group A contained women who were not exposed to FGM/C while group B contained women exposed to FGM/C. The tool used was a self-report questionnaire, designed by the authors, and anonymously filled by the participants. The questionnaire involved questions that mainly covered demographic data and sexual activity of the participating women.  Results: By comparing all age groups, our results reflect a retreat in FGM/C practice. A significant difference was observed in all sexual domains in favor of women not exposed to FGM/C including spontaneous desire, lubrication, orgasm and overall satisfaction with sexual life. In addition, dyspareunia was more common in genitally cut women.  Conclusion: Although FGM/C is on the retreat, still it has negative consequences on female sexuality. Results of this study may be of use during treating women with sexual dysfunctions.