What Circumcised Women Undergo During Sex – Expert
A Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, Dr Esther Somefun, has called on Nigerians to put an end to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as the consequences are not bearable for women.
Somefun, who work with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) revealed that it was difficult for circumcised women to enjoy sexual pleasure due to the complications of FGM.
She went further to describe FGM, also known as female circumcision, as the partial or total removal of female external genitalia due to non-medical reasons.
She said, “Due to the complications of FGM, women find it difficult to enjoy sex because the external female organ, the clitoris which ensure lubrication during sex has been cut off.
“These women can also experience painful sex, infertility, pelvic inflammatory infections, menstrual pains and keloids.
“FGM can also cause obstructed labour due to the narrowing of the external genitalia. Women with type two and three FGM are most at risk during child birth.
“Lubricants can be used but it will not totally resolve the pain experienced during sex.
“Depending on the type of FGM, corrective surgery can be done to open the external genitalia to allow for easy passage of the male external genitalia.
Somefun stated that there are huge benefits when a woman does not undergo FGM both for short term and long term.
“There is no risk of gynecological problems including, painful mensuration, no repeated pelvic infections or problems if infertility and urinary tract infections.
“Sexual intercourse will not be painful and there is no risk of obstructed labour.”
Somefun advised women experiencing some of these complications of FGM to see a gynecologist for check and assessment.
She, however, advised parents and girls to join forces together to push against FGM through advocacy in the communities and media campaign.
Somefun said that the UNFPA had been supporting the Federal Government to revise the National Policy and plan of action on FGM in the country.
(NAN)
