Obstetric and marital consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines the relationships between FGM practice and obstetric  complications/marital harmony among ever-married women in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was carried out, and a quantitative analytical technique was used in analysing the data. Findings of the study reveal that women who have undergone FGM are more likely than uncircumcised women to experience obstetric complications such as obstetric  hemorrhage, obstetric tears/lacerations, cesarean section and prolonged labour. Comparative analysis revealed that obstetric hemorrhage is highly common  across the three forms of the FGM. However, women with infibulation seem to be more likely than women with clitoridectomy or excision to experience obstetric tears, while prolonged labour is more common among women with excision. On the marital effects of FGM, women who had undergone FGM are more likely than uncircumcised women to experience marital disharmony due to sexual problems. On the basis of these findings it is recommended that campaigns against FGM should be intensified and various stakeholders sensitised about its obstetric and marital consequences.

Key Words: Female Genital Mutilation, Obstetric Complications, Marital Harmony, Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria