It is ususally called female circumcison by those who practice it. The mildest form of FGM, clitoridectomy, is the removal of all or part of the clitoris.
Excision includes the removal of the clitoris and the cutting of the labia minora.
The most extreme form of FGM is infibulation, the removal of the clitoris, labia minora, and the stitching together of the labia majora. Infibulation leaves just a small opening in the vagina for the passage of urine and menstrual fluid, and requires binding together of the legs until stitches adhere. Often the removal of the stitches is part of a wedding night ritual. The invasive nature of FGM and the unsanitary conditions under which it is usually performed can have serious consequences. According to the United Nations , it is estimated tht over 130 million women have had some form of FGM performed on them.