Prohibited Sexual Behavior and Sexual Violence

Sexual Violence: Mutilation of Female Sex Organs: Forms: Infibulation

In contrast to the relatively simple infibulation by means of a metal ring, we are here talking about a much more serious operation - a total vulvectomy (sometimes also called “pharaonic circumcision”): After an excision, i.e. the removal of clitoral gland and inner lips (labia minora), the outer lips (labia majora) are also partially or totally removed. The remaining edges of these lips are then sewn together, closing the vaginal opening. Only a small hole is left for passing urine and menstrual blood.
This is a very dangerous mutilation with far-reaching consequences for the girl’s health. First of all, the operation itself is dangerous (it can even be fatal), and the wounds usually take several weeks to heal. (As a rule, the girls’s legs remain tied together during this time in order to facilitate the healing process. A removable sliver of wood is inserted into the remaining small opening to allow for the passage of urine and menstrual blood.). Even so, there is a danger of continued bleeding and infection. Second, urination may so painful that girls avoid drinking enough. On the other hand, they may also experience urinary incontinence. In addition, the girls may develop excessive scar tissue, abscesses and cysts. Moreover, the menstrual blood, instead of flowing out freely, may accumulate inside and eventually lead to infertility. Finally, if several girls are cut with the same unsterilized instruments, there is a danger of hepatitis and HIV/AIDS transmission. However, as we shall see, these are by no means the only problems.

Infibulated vulva