Furthermore, the men who cited radio as an information source reported having fewer casual sexual partners within the 12 months preceding the survey. He hopes that the radio program and newspaper articles will encourage people to reduce their risk-taking behavior. The program aims to stimulate debate and address gaps in knowledge by providing clear messages and encouraging callers to share their experiences on a wide range of reproductive health concerns. According to Jane Chege, Ph.D., and Ndugga Maggwa, M.D., two Population Council researchers, the health complications vary, depending on the severity of the cut. Infection, tetanus, painful urination, infertility, debilitating menstrual pain, painful sexual intercourse, and difficulties in childbirth are all associated with FGC, they said.
Some cases can result in death from uncontrollable bleeding or shock.
The segment ended with a personal account by a woman who had undergone FGC at age nine. In addition to various health complications, she said she experienced psychological scars. Given the delicate subject matter, Otieno's approach is appropriately serious, with a touch of good-humored teasing. The interactive nature of the program provides callers with instant feedback, and serves to highlight areas where information is lacking or misconceptions exist, so that the Council researchers can further refine their messages. In addition to answering a question about side effects, which may include nausea, mild headaches, and occasional vomiting, Davy Chikamata, M.D., a Population Council gynecologist, explained that the method is not an abortifacient and will not work if a woman is already pregnant.