Abstract:

The World Health Organization defines genital mutilation as removing part or all of the female genital organ for non-medical purposes; or harming external genital organs in any other way (i.e., piercing, cutting, scraping, pricking or cauterizing). As a significant female health problem which still cannot be resolved in many countries, genital mutilation affects the entire life cycle of women negatively in physiological, psychological, sexual ways. Therefore, beginning from preconceptional period, during pregnancy, birth and postpartum period, it increases the likelihood of complications. The aim of this compilation is to draw attention to the issue of female genital mutilation, to raise awareness about its negative effects on women’s health and to share data from the literature about it. 

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