Understanding the consequences of Female Genital Mutilation: a phenomenological study in sub-Saharan women living in Spain

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which is culturally accepted in some African communities, has serious consequences on the physical, psychological, urogynecological, obstetrical and sexual health of girls and women. It is therefore important to understand women's experiences of the consequences of FGM. OBJECTIVE: to understand the experiences of the consequences of female genital mutilation in sub-Saharan female survivors living in Spain. DESIGN: a qualitative study based on Merleau-Ponty's hermeneutic phenomenology. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: 13 sub-Saharan female survivors of female genital mutilation participated. The study was carried out in two south-eastern Spanish provinces where many jobs in the agricultural and service industry are done by African immigrants originating from ethnic groups in which FGM is still prevalent. FINDINGS: In-depth interviews were carried out for data collection. ATLAS.ti was used for inductive analysis, from which two main themes were developed that represent the experiences of the consequences of FGM: (a) The impact of FGM: Hijacked sexual health and (b) The difficult process of genital reconstruction: overcoming the aftereffects and regaining integrity. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The mutilated women experienced serious consequences in their sexual, psychological and obstetrical health. Genital reconstruction was a difficult decision but contributed to regaining their sexual health and identity. The professionals involved play an important role in the care provided for the associated consequences of FGM, in identifying risk groups and in providing advice that allows the women to regain their sexual and reproductive health.