Infibulation, the most severe form of female genital mutilation, includes the removal of the clitoris, the scraping off of the lips of both the inner and outer labia, and the stitching shut of the remaining genital orifice so that only a minute opening is left for the flow of urine and menses. These procedures generally are performed without anaesthesia, primarily on young girls, usually by women. Because the clitoris contains many blood vessels, including the dorsal artery, women who have been genitally mutilated may die from the resulting hemorrhaging, according to Dr. Henriette Kouyate, a gynecologist based in Senegal who was interviewed for Warrior Marks by Prathiba Parmar. The girls may also experience psychological trauma for the rest of their lives. Infection, which begins in the wound but may spread to internal organs, Kouyate said.
Women can experience severe pain during urination.
Women who have been infibulated may find that the minute orifice left is too small to let pass all menstrual blood, which can result in a buildup of blood in the vagina and lead to an infection that causes sterility. Many men reportedly are not prepared for these realities, and many say their sex lives with genitally mutilated women are, generally, difficult. Some African men now report that they would prefer to marry a woman who is not genitally mutilated. Complications during childbirth. When an infibulated woman gives birth, massive tearing happens not only where her vulva is stitched shut but may extend above and below this area.