11th April 2024

Clinical evaluation

Symptoms that suggest FGM is present are: (1) difficulties walking, standing or sitting; (2) urinary retention and/or incontinence; (3) menstrual problems; (4) vaginal soreness or recurrent infections; (5) depression or withdrawn behaviour. Where FGM is suspected, women should be offered STI screening, including HIV, Syphilis, hepatitis B and C. All women with FGM should be referred to FGM services (where available) or secondary care.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons (2020). FGC Types, Licensed under a Creative Commons licence. Available for free at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FGC_Types.svg (Accessed: 07 February 2024).