The continuing challenge of female genital mutilation in Sudan

ObjectivesTo evaluate the frequency of female genital mutilation (FGM) among Sudanese women in comparison to other African countries. To review the immediate and the late complications of FGM. To suggest possible ways of its prevention and eradication.Subjects and methodsThis is a retrospective cross sectional study involving two groups of Sudanese women. The first group which comprises 1200 women was university students and this group represents nearly all parts of the Sudan as University students come from different ethnic and cultural groups. The second group which included 800 women was selected as a sample of women coming to the outpatient Urology clinic of Soba University Hospital in Khartoum, which is a tertiary referral hospital, seeking medical advice for different urological problems. All the two groups signed consent to be part of this study. All patients in group A were given a written questionnaire including all the information's about their experience with FGM to answer.ResultsOut of the 2000 women who were included in this study, 1468 were victims of FGM. Their ages ranged between 20 and 62 with a mean age of 46 years. The FGM was performed below the age of six year in 1423 (96.9%). It was performed by a midwife at home set up in 1416 (94.5%). There were 267 immediate complications and 618 late complications. The most serious complications were bleeding, sepsis and vesico-vaginal fistula. Other complications are discussed.