The association between Female Genital Mutilation and sexual dysfunction during pregnancy - pilot study

Abstract

Background: Female sexual dysfunction is considered as one of the ignored consequences associated with female genital mutilation. Female genital mutilation is estimated to be done for 200 million females in Africa and Asia. Objectives: This study aimed at assessing the effect of female genital mutilation on sexual dysfunction among pregnant females. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted over a 6-month period. Participants were recruited from 3 outpatient clinics at Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. A total of 206 eligible pregnant females were asked to fill El-Gilany Socio-economic Status Scale and the Arabic version of the Female Sexual Function Index. Then, the individual domains and total scores were calculated. Results: The results showed that female genital mutilation among women is inversely proportionate to their level of education (P-value 0.02). Female Sexual Function Index results revealed that the most affected domain of sexual dysfunction was the lubrication and satisfaction domains. However, no statistically significant difference between the two groups in all other domains or the total Female Sexual Function Index scores. Conclusion:The current study concluded that there is no difference in sexual function between circumcised and non-circumcised pregnant females regarding prevalence and indicators.