Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Licensee African Health Sciences. This study aimed to provide national data on obstetric outcomes to support advocacy and health education. Caesarean section and perineal tears were also increased. An estimated million women and girls worldwide have been subjected to this practice, the majority living in African countries 2.
These include: prevention of promiscuity in the female, enhancement of male sexual performance and pleasure, maintenance of cleanliness of the genital area, aesthetic reasons, enhancement of fertility and improving a woman's marriage prospects 3.
Immediate complications include bleeding leading to shock, transmission of infection and injuries to adjacent organs like the urethra and the rectum. Obstetric risks include prolonged labour, increased caesarean section rates, increased rates of episiotomy, perineal tears and postpartum haemorrhage 3 β 5.
In type II, the clitoris and labia minora are partially or completely removed with or without excision of the labia majora. Type IV refers to all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes like pricking, cauterization and piercing 1 , 5. This study did not have a control group and relied on retrospective data in a selected group of women. With a population of just 1. Sadly, it faces multiple challenges in the field of health and typifies many of the issues surrounding the current crisis in human resources for health in Africa.
But with high rates among the current population, it may be many years before the health impact of this ban is felt. National data on healthcare outcomes may be a key component in the advocacy and health education needed to eliminate this practice.
