Nursing Care for Pre-marital Care

-Female Genital Mutilation

Definition:

·       This is the removal of part or all of a girl's external genitalia, specifically the clitoris, in addition to the labia minora and labia majora.

·       FGM is one of the outdated traditions in some societies that has no connection to religion, and it has drawn attention due to the many health and social problems it causes, which threaten the wellbeing of many families.

Egyptian law criminalizes female genital mutilation.

·       FGM does not eliminate sexual desire, since desire depends on psychological and neurological factors linked to the brain, but it reduces a woman's natural sensation and may sometimes lead to complete sexual frigidity.

Degrees of FGM:

·       First degree: Removal of the clitoral hood or part or all of the clitoris.

·       Second degree: Removal of the clitoris and part or all of the labia minora.

·       Third degree: Removal of the clitoris and labia minora, then cutting and stitching together the labia majora, leaving a small opening for urine and menstrual blood.

Complications of FGM:

Short-term complications:

·       Bleeding.

·       Infections and microbial infection.

·       Severe pain, which may cause neurogenic shock.

·       Urinary retention due to severe pain.

·       Injury to the urethra or anus.

§  Death.

Long-term complications:

·       Deformity of the external genitalia and the formation of painful scars.

·       Pelvic congestion and pain during intercourse.

·       Infertility.

·       Chronic urinary tract infections.

·       Psychological harm: feelings of inadequacy, distorted self-image among girls, and fear of the marital relationship.

·       Sexual harm: sexual frigidity and diminished sensation.

·       Social harm: discord and tension in married life, and divorce.