thought to be at risk of this human right violation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the medical complications of this procedure in order to attract healthcare professionals' attention to this problem.Methods: This cross-sectional study has been performed on more than 340 women undergo this procedure in south of Iran during 2004Iran during -2007. Demographic data and complications of FGM in each woman have been gathered carefully by interviews, history taking and physical examinations in a few women.Results: The mean age of participants were 23 ± 4 y/o and 84% married. All of them forced to undergone FGM by their parents at mean age of 3.3 y/o. The result of this study demonstrates different immediate and delayed complications. 57% of the interviewed women had experienced significant immediate complications such as bleeding, shock, wound infection and swelling. Delayed complications were reported in 32% of these women reported as painful and difficult menstruation, pelvic infections, urinary tract infections, massive hemorrhage after delivery and obstructed and prolonged labor. Terrible life-long psychological trauma should be added to these physical complications that presented in all of women. None of these women reported experience of orgasm during their sexual life. In addition, prevalence of HIV/AIDS was significantly higher in these women (P < .0001). Fortunately no mortality has been reported in these women in period of study.Conclusion: Findings of this study highlight the need for heightened awareness of issues around FGM so as to better provide adequate physical and psychological support to affected women. Different kinds of interventions should be considered, starting with the development of informative campaigns, training of health workers, institution of a tollfree number, international cooperation programs and the responsibility of the family where the crime is committed. The result of this study discusses the possible relationship in terms of health risk between HIV/AIDS and FGM in the south of Iran and calls for more concerted efforts, including further research in order to address this potential risk. Particularly, health care professionals' can play a key role in eliminating FGM, as a violation of a person's fundamental rights to physical and mental integrity of women and girls.
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