The Lowdown on Female Circumcision

Most people are quite familiar with the concept of male circumcision, since it is so common in our culture. However, the issue of female circumcision is an area clouded with mystery and which many people do not understand at all. It is something that we are not confronted with every day here in the US!

Female circumcision or genital mutilation varies drastically in its severity, depending on the country. This practice is alive and well in more than 20 African countries at the moment, as well as areas of Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. It is considered to be cultural or traditional in these countries and it is something that those who practice it consider to be completely normal.

There are various reasons for female circumcision, including the belief that the clitoris is dangerous or may grow too much if it is not cut. Other cultures believe that mutilating the genitals is actually an enhancement and in some cases, it is done to curb a girl's interest in sex and make her less likely to be raped.

Due to the unsanitary conditions in which these circumcisions are carried out, there is often a very high risk of bleeding and infection. Also, they are usually done without the use of any method to reduce pain. This can be very traumatic to the young girl.

There are many different types of female circumcision, but three main types stand out. The least common type is where part or all of the clitoris is removed, as well as the skin surrounding it. A more severe form of this is the same as above, but the inner labia are also removed.

The most extreme version of female circumcision may involve removing both labia and the clitoris. It can also involve the sewing shut of the vaginal opening, leaving only a small opening for menstruation.

Other forms of this genital mutilation include scraping or cutting the vagina, burning it or even inserting acidic objects. All this to cause scarring which will either cause her future husband more pleasure or will create scar tissue to make the vagina smaller and tighter.

While we may find these practices offensive, they are still considered the norm in many cultures and it is a difficult struggle to help these cultures understand the damage they are doing to their young women. There are various organizations that are attempting to change the belief systems in countries which still practice genital mutilation, but they gain little headway in the face of tradition.