Nurs Womens Health. 2015 Oct;19(5):445-9. doi: 10.1111/1751-486X.12237.
Nursing Care of Women Who Have Undergone Genital Cutting
Tilley DS
ABSTRACT
Female genital cutting (FGC), commonly called female genital mutilation, affects
millions of women but is poorly understood by many health care providers. FGC
procedures intentionally alter the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons
and include partial or total removal of female genital organs. These procedures,
which have no medical value, are usually done between birth and puberty. Health
consequences vary in severity but can be devastating. Women who have experienced
FGC may be reluctant to seek health care or to disclose their condition to
providers. Suggestions for culturally competent care of women who have
experienced FGC are outlined, focusing on understanding the cultural beliefs and
values of women who have undergone these procedures and providing informed and
sensitive care.
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