Deinfibulation and reconstructive surgery
Girls and women who have undergone FGM and have problems caused by it should be offered an opportunity for deinfibulation (opening surgery). Women who have problems with FGM even after the deinfibulation have an opportunity to reconstructive surgery.
Deinfibulation
The deinfibulation opens the scar tissue that connects the closed labia. This can help with problems related to urination, menstrual bleeding and intercourse. Monitoring of pregnancy and childbirth is also usually easier after the opening surgery.
As a procedure, deinfibulation is simple and quick, and it can be provided through outpatient care under local anaesthetic.
Deinfibulation is recommended for young girls before they become sexually active or get pregnant. During pregnancy, the recommended time periods for the procedure are between weeks 12 and 20 of pregnancy and between weeks 30 and 36 of pregnancy. If deinfibulation is needed but has not been performed during pregnancy, it is done at the time of delivery.
Reconstructive surgery
Girls and women who have undergone FGM may also undergo reconstructive surgery aimed at restoring normal genital anatomy and functioning.
The purpose of reconstructive surgery is to ease the problems caused by FGM, increase sexual well-being and support gender identity and self-confidence.
At present, reconstructive surgery is carried out in Finland at the HUS plastic surgery clinic in Helsinki. Requests for reconstructive surgery can be made with a doctor's referral.
