Female genital mutilation: psychological and reproductive health consequences. the case of Kayoro traditional area in Ghana

Abstract

The study examined the reproductive health and psychological effects of female genital mutilation, in one traditional area in the Upper East region (i.e. Kayoro Traditional Area) of Ghana. The results of the study revealed that, the practice of FGM actually affects the physical (deforming the female genitalia), psychological (the mental torture due to pain experienced during the circumcision and also the fear of the unknown which includes medical examination which will involve touching of the genitalia as well as sexual intercourse), and the reproductive health consequences ranging from various forms, including immediate complications such as bleeding, sepsis, and to later complications such as child birth complications and even death. Recommendations were made to the public, policy makers and NGOs with the aim of reducing and if possible eradicate the practice.

Keywords: female genital mutilation, health consequences, Ghana

Gender and Behaviour Vol. 4(1) 2006: 659-684