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De-Infibulation/Reversal
It is possible to have a small procedure to open the scar and this is often called a reversal or de-infibulation. This is done in a specialist clinic usually with a local anaesthetic which is an injection which will numb the area so the nurse, doctor or midwife can open the scar. The skin will be stitched at either side of the scar to keep it from healing together again and you will usually heal very quickly. The stitches will dissolve and you will not need to have them removed.

You may not want your family to know you are considering this and the specialist will understand and respect your need for confidentiality.

It may be important for you to talk through your feelings before you decide to have this done. This small operation is often called a reversal and that can be confusing because it does not mean that any tissue that has been removed can be replaced. You will certainly be able to pass urine much more quickly and that can sometimes be a surprise. You have been used to your body being this way for a long time and once the reversal is done you may need to get used to it being different. Your body will look changed but most girls and women soon get used to this as their symptoms improve quickly.

It is often helpful to talk this through and all the staff at the specialist clinics will understand your concerns.

What if I don’t speak much English?
Do not worry about this. All health services should provide you with a professional interpreter who will be present at your appointment to help you. The interpreter usually needs to be booked in advance so it would help if you can make them aware when the appointment is booked.

If you need to go urgently to any professional service they will have access to telephone interpreting or you can take someone you trust who speaks English to help you in an emergency.

If you are worried about any aspect of your health do not be afraid to talk a health professional. Daughters of Eve will be able to provide you with details of specialist services if they are available in your area.

At Daughters of Eve we are committed to supporting young people who are at risk of FGM or who have had FGM. But our long-term aim is to work towards the elimination of the practice, so that no one has to live at risk of FGM.

There is a growing movement across the world against FGM, people are speaking out and protesting against the practice. As awareness spreads and support grows we are seeing a change of attitudes. The shame and secrecy which surrounds FGM is being challenged with

Another world is possible, and we are working in hope for an end to FGM!

For a list of organisations which campaign against FGM, please go to our links and resources page.

Speaking out against FGM
An important part of the campaign against FGM is fighting the taboo. By bravely talking about their experiences, women and girls break the secrecy around FGM and stop the misunderstandings. These testimonies are so important to give voice to silenced women and give us all the honest truth about FGM. Speaking out and sharing with others is an important act
Istar’s Story
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My name is Istar I am 28 years old mother and a student. I would like to share my experience of under going FGM, this will be the first time I’ve ever written about my experience this will be the one chance the child within me voice will be heard.I was 6 years old when it happened, all I know is that I was playing outside our house with other children who lived near by, I also remember a lot relatives and family friends where at the house a lot food and sweets were cooked that day but strangely my parents weren’t there, didn’t think much of it at the time.

The nightmare started as my younger sister was called in to the house by aunts I followed but was told to wait outside again didn’t think much of it at the time. One of my neighbour daughter who was playing with us came to me, “You must be excited” my response: what for? I didn’t know what she was talking about. “You will be a big girl now all you have to do is be very brave and don’t cry”. I still didn’t understand what she meant. When she explained what was going to happen to me, all I wanted was my mom to come and rescue me , I ran so fast trying to hide in the house at the same time I can hear my little sister scream , I never heard such scream, even today when I shut my eyes I can hear her screaming.

“Get Istar it’s her turn” I could hear my aunt saying. I kept running around the house until I got caught and dragged to the table were I was surrounded by two of my aunts, one of our neighbour and two men I didn’t know who their were at the time but realised that one of them was the circumcisers well that’s what people call them if I had give them a title it would be the children’s butcher.

The other man grabbed hold of my legs trying to pull them apart; I fought him as much as I could, but I was only six years old, I had no energy left within me, when he succeeded, I remember him saying to me “Behave you silly girl and stop crying it doesn’t hurt” my lower part of my body was out of my control I tried to move my upper part of my body but my aunts held me down and stuffed big cloth in my mouth so I wouldn’t scream so loud, god that was all their were worried about. As this was happening all I wanted was my mother she was always there for me, WHY NOT THIS TIME?

When he was done I felt so ashamed that these people saw my private parts and these men actually touched it and hurt me. Brave girl Istar everybody said, I remember getting a lot of sweets, toys and money to congratulate me. At the time I thought you now part these people now and you are treated differently “The very special girl now”. Again as this was happening to me all I wanted was my mommy.

As I got older I’ve realised the damage FGM has caused me physically and mentally, I was led to believe I’ve had type1 but later in my early twenties realised I’ve actually undergone Type2, but the mental scar I carry till today it’s very difficult to explain I’ve blocked it out for many years pretended that it never happened but I could no longer ignore it especially after my beautiful little girl was born, I knew as a mother I couldn’t let that happened to my daughter but that meant facing the demons from the past.