Types of FGM and health impact

Staff in children's homes do not need clinical expertise, but they must recognise the seriousness of female genital mutilation (FGM). The World Health Organization classifies FGM into four main types: procedures that remove part or all of the clitoral glans, those involving the labia, procedures that narrow the vaginal opening, and other harmful practices such as pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping or burning.

Knowing the types helps staff understand why signs such as pain, difficulty walking, spending longer in the bathroom, urinary problems or reluctance to attend medical appointments may be significant. Staff should not ask intrusive questions, examine a child or attempt to identify the type themselves.

Sensitive image Warning: Sensitive safeguarding content. This image contains a medical diagram related to female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Click to reveal. Click to reveal

Possible effects

• Immediate harm: pain, bleeding, shock, infection or difficulty passing urine.
• Longer-term health effects: urinary, menstrual, sexual, pregnancy or childbirth complications.
• Emotional effects: fear, shame, low mood, trauma symptoms, anger or mistrust.
• Daily care effects: privacy needs, bathing or toileting worries, medical-appointment anxiety.
• Safeguarding effects: possible risk to sisters, cousins or other girls in the family or community.

Role boundary: no examination

The types of FGM matter for awareness, but frontline staff should never try to diagnose the type. Escalate concerns for safeguarding and health assessment.