Q6. What is female circumcision?

A6. This involves removing part or all of the external female genitalia (the clitoris and/or labia).

Detractors of this practice term this ‘female genital mutilation’ although others argue that these are two separate things.

Female circumcision is performed for similar reasons to that of male circumcision. It is a rite of passage into womanhood as well as a confirmation of identity within that group. It is also seen as a hygienic practice to ensure that the girl or woman is ‘pure’ on her wedding night.

This is a highly controversial issue with opponents claiming that the practice is barbaric, misogynistic and carries long term health risks.

FAQS Index : A guide to Vasectomy

Circumcision FAQs

1. What is circumcision?
2. Can men be circumcised?
3. Is circumcision only performed for religious reasons?
4. Is circumcision painful?
5. Are only boys and men circumcised?
6. What is female circumcision?
7. Should I have my son circumcised?
8. Will having a circumcision affect my sex life?
9. How safe is circumcision?
10. Does circumcision mean that the penis is easier to clean?
11. Is circumcision needed?
12. Is circumcision needed if my son’s foreskin doesn’t retract?

13. Does circumcision protect you against disease?
14. What is ‘frenulum breve?’
15. What is ‘phimosis?’
16. What is ‘paraphimosis?
17. What is ‘balanitis?’
18. What does the surgery involve?
19. How long does circumcision take?
20. What are the risks of circumcision?
21. How long does the recovery take?
22. Will I have to take time off work?
23. When can my son return to school following his circumcision?
24. Can a circumcision be reversed?
25. Why is circumcision so controversial?