What is FGM?
A female genital mutilation (FGM) is a medically unnecessary procedure in which the female genitals are cut, injured or altered.
FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts.
Effects of FGM
-
Constant pelvic pain
-
Pain and difficulty having sex
-
Repeated infections, which can lead to infertility
-
Bleeding, cysts and abscesses
-
Problems passing urine or holding urine in (incontinence)
-
Depression, flashbacks
-
Problems during labour and childbirth, which can be life threatening for mother and baby
Support we offer
We provide assessments for women and girls presenting with FGM, including referral for secondary health care services for surgical and paediatric evaluation and treatment when required. Other services provided include advice on how to access FGM Health Advocates.
GPs or other medical specialists should ideally make referrals for FGM-related consultations, but self-referrals are also accepted at the clinic using the self-referral service.
