Sexual Function in Women With and Without Female Genital Mutilation in Reproductive Age in South of Iran

Abstract Objectives: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is an important public health issue, especially in developing countries and it is still done in some parts of Iran. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FGM on the sexual function of women of reproductive age in Hormozgan province/IRAN.Study design: This study is a descriptive-analytical case-control study that was conducted in 2020 on 209 married women of reproductive age (15-49) in rural areas of Minab and Sirik counties in Hormozgan province/IRAN. Main outcome measures: The reliable and valid questionnaire FSFI for assessing female sexual function in the two groups was used after to obtain informed and voluntary consent from all participants and data with SPSS v: 16 software and with using descriptive/ Analytical statistics tests with a significant level of 0.05 were examined. Results: There is a significant difference between mutilated and non-mutilated women in the total score of sexual function(22.18±3.23 versus 23.41±2.52 respectively, p=0.023) and the domains of lubrication(3.04±0.62 versus 3.3±0.53 respectively, P=0.000), orgasm(3.81±0.63 versus 4.08±0.47 respectively, P=0.003), and sexual satisfaction(5.09±0.1 versus 5.37±0.87 respectively, P=0.017) But in the domains of desire, arousal, and pain in the two groups was no significant difference(P-value>0.05). Conclusion: FGM maybe leads to sexual dysfunction. Although most women were reluctant to perform mutilation on their daughters, more educational Actions are suggested to educate women about the impact of female mutilation on their sexual function. Counseling programs are also recommended to improve the sexual function of mutilated women.