INTRODUCTION: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the female external genitalia and/or injury to the female genital organs for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reasons. AIM: Aim of this study was to determine sexual function before and after defibulation using a CO(2) laser in migrant women who had undergone FGM in the past. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before and 6 months after defibulation. METHODS: Patients were asked to fill the FSFI before surgery and at 6 months follow-up. Defibulation took place under general anesthetic using a CO(2) laser. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent defibulation in a standardized manner and filled in the FSFI completely. Female sexual function improves after surgical defibulation in the domains desire, arousal, satisfaction, and pain whereas lubrification and orgasm remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Defibulation using CO(2) laser may improve some aspects of sexual function in patients who undergo defibulation but not all.
INTRODUCTION: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the female external genitalia and/or injury to the female genital organs for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reasons. AIM: Aim of this study was to determine sexual function before and after defibulation using a CO(2) laser in migrant women who had undergone FGM in the past. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before and 6 months after defibulation. METHODS:Patients were asked to fill the FSFI before surgery and at 6 months follow-up. Defibulation took place under general anesthetic using a CO(2) laser. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent defibulation in a standardized manner and filled in the FSFI completely. Female sexual function improves after surgical defibulation in the domains desire, arousal, satisfaction, and pain whereas lubrification and orgasm remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Defibulation using CO(2) laser may improve some aspects of sexual function in patients who undergo defibulation but not all.