Counselling for women affected by FGM is conducted in consultation with FARREP workers and FGM liaison officers.
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also see:
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Women's life experience, and that of their female relatives and friends determine perceptions of what is "normal" . The literature on FGM, and focus groups with women conducted at the Royal Women's Hospital suggests that many women welcome information about their bodies and how they function, to aid their understanding about the need for deinfibulation prior to birth, and reasons for not reinfibulating postnatally. In order for women to give informed consent, it is important that they are given information in an appropriate manner, in consultation with FARREP workers and FGM liaison officers.
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For any infibulated woman who is attending for antenatal care, there is a need for appropriate information regarding deinfibulation, which is offered electively in pregnancy, or intrapartum, to allow for delivery.
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The information provided to women about the process and management of deinfibulation should include the following:
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- An explanation/description of the deinfibulation procedure
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- Physiological changes following the procedure including:
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- Voiding - pattern faster, stronger stream, noisier
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- Menstruation - blood loss may appear heavier and more intense, clots
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- Intercourse - may be less painful, feeling of looseness, due to wider introitus
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- Appearance of the genitalia may be significantly altered
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- Vaginal mucous may appear more copious
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- Pain relief options post deinfibulation
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Some women may feel anxious about touching their genitals, or about infecting or harming themselves. It is important that medical and midwifery personnel are able to lead the discussion in a sensitive way in order to address women's concerns, and ensure that women understand how to take care of themselves.
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Women may have experienced the initial genital mutilation procedure in clinical or non clinical circumstances, with or without anaesthesia or pain relief, and with varying degrees of trauma. Any discussion of deinfibulation may uncover emotional and psychological sequelae for women, which will require sensitive support. Women can be put in touch with the Women's Social Support Service (WSSS) for support and counselling.
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