Female genital mutilation

The HUG Gynecology Division has extensive experience in the prevention, care, and management of complications related to female genital mutilation.

Female genital mutilation (or FGM) refers to the removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, such as excision, infibulation, or circumcision. There are several types of female genital mutilation. All can have consequences on the physical, psychological, and sexual health of women. In Switzerland, it is estimated that this affects 24 600 women and girls.

Female genital mutilation : a clinic ready to help

Since 2010, a specialized and multidisciplinary clinic, comprised of physicians and nursing/midwifery staff trained in sexual medicine, trauma, and vulva disease, has offered personalized and adapted care.

• What are the complications of female genital mutilation?
• What happens at the consultation?
• Care and services of the clinic
• Learn more
• Contact

What are the complications of female genital mutilation ?

• Urinary problems (painful or difficult urination, infections)
• Gynecological problems (cysts, infections)
• Sexual problems (pain, etc.)
• Obstetric problems (complications with childbirth)
• Psychological problems (depression, anxiety, etc.)

Do you have questions ? Talk to your gynecologist or contact the specialized clinic.

What happens at the consultation?

You are seen at the clinic in full confidentiality and can ask any questions you wish. After discussion and as needed, you are examined to determine the type of FGM and the treatment most suitable for your situation.

The consultation is conducted by a gynecologist and surgeon trained in vulva disease and sexual medicine, who is an expert in FGM. She offers trauma informed multidisciplinary personalized care and services, which are respectful and culturally sensitive.

She works closely with :

• A midwife trained in sexual health
• A sexual and reproductive health counselor from the HUG Sexual Health and Family Planning Unit
• Two sexologists (one psychologist and one psychiatrist) from the Sexual Medicine and sexology Unit   
• Pediatricians and Pediatric and adolescent gynecologists from the Pediatrics and Gynecology Divisions
• The Health Unit for Asylum Seekers and Refugees - USAR
• The Interdisciplinary Unit for Medicine and Prevention of Violence
• Certified interpreters

Care and services of the clinic

• Information about female genital mutilation and vulval/clitoral anatomy
• Clinical examination with certificate for eventual forensic purposes
• Personalized assessment
• Treatment of complications and consequences of female genital mutilation
• Defibulation (surgical treatment for infibulation) : Youtube video
• Clitoral reconstructive surgery : Youtube video
• Explanations and discussions about childbirth, check-up after childbirth, guidance about pelvic floor therapy
• Prevention of female genital mutilation : Statement opposing female genital mutilation

Learn more

• Video Countering myths about FGM/C | Jasmine Abdulcadir | TEDxPlaceDesNationsWomen
• Video End FGM E-Campus Webinar | Keynote Speaker Dr. Jasmine Abdulcadir - FGM across Europe
• Video La promotion de santé des filles et des femmes qui ont vécu une excision
• Website of the Swiss network against female circumcision Female genital cutting

Reports

• Un coup de cœur pour l'entretien avec Jasmine Abdulcadir, spécialiste de la santé et de la sexualité des femmes
• La chirurgie réparatrice vécue comme renaissance après une excision
• Jasmine Abdulcadir, les mutilations génitales féminines

Contact