Skip main navigation

New offer! Get 30% off your first 2 months of Unlimited Monthly. Start your subscription for just £35.99 £24.99. New subscribers only T&Cs apply

Find out more

Sexual Impacts of FGM

Describing the sexual impacts of FGM.

Sexual dysfunction is commonly encountered following FGM and can prevail throughout the course of a woman’s life.

Important complications following FGM include:

  • Painful sex
  • Difficulty reaching orgasm
  • Little or no enjoyment in sex
  • Reduced sexual desire
  • Difficulty in arousal

Adapted from ‘Veiled Pain’.

These symptoms are complex in origin and are a result of both the physiological and psychological impacts of FGM. It is important to consider how sexual dysfunction can impact a woman’s life, especially with regard to her future relationships and social circles. This can, in turn, have enormous consequences on the mental health of an FGM survivor.

This article is from the free online

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Health, Law, and Socio-Cultural Sensitivity

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now