In a woman who has been infibulated, inter-course usually involves some tearing and bleeding, especially in the early years, as the opening must always be forced. Because of this, infections are commonplace. Female genital cutting and infibulation may contribute to the spread of HIV, due to tearing of scarred vaginal tissue. In cases of infibulation, some husbands may turn to anal sex or other partners when faced with difficulty of vaginal penetration. Despite their great need for accurate information, adolescents throughout the world have extremely limited access to reproductive health services.
Teenagers have difficulty making use of the services even when they are available.
In Zimbabwe, young people cite, as reasons for not using such services, the cost, not knowing where to go and perceived disapproval if they go to a clinic. The widespread lack of knowledge about STDs among young people prevents many from using protection or seeking help from health services. The ICPD Programme of Action called on countries, with the support of the international community, to protect and promote the rights of adolescents to reproductive health education, information and care, and strive to reduce sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy among adolescents. It also recognized the need to educate young men to respect women and their reproductive choices, and to share responsibility with them in matters of sexuality, contraceptive use and reproduction. Reorient health education and services to meet the needs of adolescents.