Some communities consider girls ineligible for marriage if they have not been circumcised. Girls as young as three undergo the process, but the age at which the operation is performed varies according to country and culture. Health workers say that the operation is often carried out in unsanitary conditions. Razor blades, scissors, kitchen knives and even pieces of glass are used, often on more than one girl, which increases the risk of infection. Anaesthesia is rarely used.
Some girls die as a result of haemorraging, septicemia and shock.
It can also lead to long-term urinary and reproductive problems. Many men believe the folklore which says they will die if their penis touches a clitoris. Campaigns are working Female circumcision is part of the fabric of many African societies Due to health campaigns, female circumcision has been falling in some countries in the last decade. Several governments have introduced legislation to ensure the process is only carried out in hospitals by trained doctors. Ntanira Na Mugambo, also known as 'circumcision by words', has been developed in rural areas of Kenya by local and international women's health organisations.