Anytime living tissue is cut, harm is done. Some people choose certain procedures and feel that they are better off for it. That does not take away from the fact that scar tissue builds up, nerve myelination may occur and functions of the genitalia may be lost.
Depending on the type of genital cutting, the age of the individual when they are cut and many other factors, the level of harm varies. This visual attempts to demonstrate the level of harm based on some of the known types:
Here is the link to the World Health Organization’s page that outlines the 4 types.
Do women complain about FGC/M? Go here for a discussion.
Some believe that performing these procedures on babies is OK because they won’t remember. Go here for information.
For harms of prepuce removal (Type I) go here.
Page last updated February 18, 2022