Discussion about female vagina circumcision Research Paper

Discussion about female vagina circumcision - Research Paper Example These cultures do not do so to harm the woman but believe that it is a main definition between a girl and a mature woman (Momoh 56). It is usually performed on girls who are few days into their puberty stages and in certain regions it is a requirement for any girl who may wish to get married. The act is usually performed without any anesthesia by a traditional circumciser who uses a knife or a razor or sometimes even scissors to remove the female genitalia in question. Apart from being a part of some cultures, it is also a part of some religious beliefs such as some Islam communities based in these regions especially in African countries such as Somali which has a large population of staunch Muslims (Ehrenreich and Hochschild 87). It is mainly practiced in parts of Africa, the Middle East and a number of immigrant communities based in Europe, Australia and America. The practice has been existent for a large number of decades, and scientific discovery in the medical profession was the main force behind groups that have risen in an effort to bring an end to this tradition. Types of Female Circumcision The World Health Organization has classified types of female circumcision into four types that have been categorized according the procedure that takes place. These four types of circumcision are carried out by different cultures and communities and include: Type 1 – This involves the removal of the clitoral hood, or the partial or sometimes total removal of the clitoris itself. The medical term for this procedure is clitoridectomy (Amish, Aisha and Aldo 87). Type 2 – Involves the total or partial removal of the clitoris as well as the inner or outer labia. Different cultures practice different combinations of these procedures such as sole removal of the inner labia or the removal of the inner and/or the outer labia as well as part or all of the clitoral. This type is often referred to as excision (Amish, Aisha and Aldo 87). Type 3 – This type i nvolves the removal of all of the female genitalia. This is to say that both the inner and outer labia is removed and may or may not include the removal of all or part of the clitoris as well (Amish, Aisha and Aldo 89). Once this is done, the girl’s legs are then bound together for a number of days that can go over a month in order to allow the wound to heal. A twig or an object of similar proportions is inserted in the wound to create a small hole that will allow for the passage of urine as well as menstruation once the healing process is complete. This type is commonly referred to as pharaonic circumcision or infibulation. Type 4 – This type categorizes all the other procedures that have not been covered in the previous three (Amish, Aisha and Aldo 103). They may include processes involving scraping, incising, pricking, and cauterization among others. Complications Involving Female Circumcision There are a number of medical complications that women who have undergone female circumcision may experience as a result. Some of these complications may occur immediately while others may be experienced later on after a period of time has elapsed (Skaine 65). They include issues such as infections that may occur as a result of the tools that are used. Most