Female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual functioning of married women in Oworonshoki Community, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines the nexus between Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and three thematic/fundamental areas of women sexual functioning in the study location. These thematic areas are women’s sexual desire/initiation, sexual activity and sexual satisfaction/enjoyment. To achieve the objectives of the study, a cross-sectional survey research method was adopted and 350 questionnaires were administered among ever married women. Elicited data were analyzed with the aids of quantitative analytical techniques. Findings of the study reveal that FGM hampered effective and efficient sexual functioning of the women in the study location as circumcised women reported defective sexuality and sexual dysfunctional. Based on these findings, it has been recommended that both state and non-state actors working in the areas of women’s reproductive health should develop appropriate intervention programmes to reduce/eradicate the practice of FGM in the study location. This will invariably help the married women to reach orgasm during sexual intercourse.