Characteristics of Female genital mutilation and Sexual Function among Circumcised women in Sardasht (Iran) in 2023

Background: Female genital mutilation (FGM/C) is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women, which has many sexual, physical, and psychological consequences. The present study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of Female genital mutilation and Sexual Function among circumcised women in Sardasht City in Iran. Methods In this present cross-sectional study a total of 197 mutilated women entered the study by simple random sampling from two healthcare centers in Sardasht, Iran. First, a genital examination was done by a gynecologist to determine the type of FGM/C/C in women, then the checklist of FGM/C characteristics and FSFI questionnaire were completed for them. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23 software. Results Type I and II of FGM/C/C were performed in 73.1 and 26.9 percent of the participants, respectively. The age range of performing FGM/C/C (68.5%) was 4–10 years old, and the most common reason for it in 69% was reported cultural tradition. All cases of FGM/C/C were performed by traditional local female circumcisers without the use of anesthesia. The average score of sexual function index (FSFI) in 99% of circumcised women was below 28 and they were screened as sexual dysfunction. The average score of FSFI in type I and II of FGM/C was 23.5 ± 2.0 and 17.4 ± 2.39, respectively, which indicates more severe sexual dysfunction in women with type II. In all domains of FSFI, women with type II of FGM/C/C obtained lower scores than women with type 1. Conclusion Sexual dysfunction is common in women who have been under genital mutilation, and its severity is related to the type of FGM/C/C. Considering the impact of female genital mutilation on sexual function, increasing awareness among people to prevent this practice is one of the health priorities in areas with a culture of FGM/C/C.