Female genital mutilation

  • Research hasn't demonstrated a link, but trauma is likely to raise the risk of infection.

Female genital mutilation practices are liable to lead to recurring trauma, bleeding, open sores and open wounds, which would increase the risk of HIV infection during unprotected sex. However there are no epidemiological data to associate HIV infection with female genital mutiliation.1

It has also been suggested that in societies that practise female genital mutilation, anal intercourse may be more common, either because vaginal penetration is too painful, or (before marriage) as a way to have sex without breaking the hymen. This might predispose to HIV infection.

HIV infection could also be possible at the time of the procedure, from an unsterilised instrument, especially if the operation is practised on groups of girls.

References

  1. Monjok E et al. Female genital mutilation: Potential for HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa and prospect for epidemiologic investigation and intervention. African Journal for Reproductive Health, 11(1):33-42, 2007
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.