Interventions to Address Sexual Function in Women Affected by Female Genital Cutting: a Scoping Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Global migration trends necessitate that health care providers, regardless of location, address sequelae from female genital cutting (FGC). Surgical interventions to treat sexual dysfunction in this population are proliferating despite limited evidence of their impact. We conducted a scoping review to describe interventions to address sexual dysfunction in FGC-affected women. Recent Findings: Thirty-four citations in four categories of peer-reviewed literature emerged: surgical technique descriptions, case reports, literature reviews, and original research including qualitative analyses, anatomically focused studies and surgical interventions. Summary: Surgical strategies to address sexual function in FGC-affected women, although promising, are limited by low-quality evidence. FGC-affected women require, but are rarely receiving, multidisciplinary care to address myriad influences on sexual function. Research is needed to clarify the impact of surgical interventions and promising non-surgical strategies including education and counseling.