FGM: How to Know You are Mutilated

Many women have experienced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) without even realizing it. 

It’s not surprising, most of these procedures are done when girls are too young to understand what’s happening. 

Maybe you’ve always felt something was “different” down there, or you heard whispers about something being done to you as a child but never got the full picture.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Was I mutilated?” this article will help you find answers. 

Knowing your status can empower you to seek medical attention, healing, or simply peace of mind.

Let’s walk through the signs that could indicate you were subjected to FGM.

1. What’s Your Family Saying?

If you have a close relationship with your mother, aunties, or grandmothers, you might want to ask them.

Many cultures that practice FGM see it as a rite of passage, so some family members may openly admit it if you ask the right questions. 

Try asking:

“Did I undergo any traditional ceremony as a child?”

“Was I circumcised as a baby?”

Some may deny it, but others might give you hints that help you put the pieces together.

2. Take a Look (Your Body Tells a Story)

This might be the hardest part, but it’s one of the best ways to know for sure. Find a private space, grab a mirror, and examine yourself. 

Here’s what to look out for:

Is your clitoris missing or smaller than normal? If there’s just a flat scar where it should be, you may have undergone FGM.

Do you see scars or irregular stitching around your vaginal opening? Some types of FGM involve cutting and sewing parts of the genitalia.

Is your vaginal opening smaller than usual? In extreme cases, the opening is almost completely closed, leaving only a tiny hole for urine and menstrual blood.

3. How Does Your Body Respond?

Your body gives you clues every day. If you experience any of these, FGM might be the reason:

Pain during sex: If intercourse feels unbearably painful or impossible, it could be due to FGM.

Difficulty urinating: A slow or painful urine flow could mean your urinary passage was affected.

Severe period pain or irregular flow: Some women experience complications because the vaginal opening is too small to allow normal menstrual flow.

4. See a Doctor (The Ultimate Confirmation)

If you’re still unsure, a visit to a gynecologist can clear your doubts. 

A doctor can check for physical signs of FGM and help you understand the effects on your body.

They can also offer medical solutions, including surgery in some cases, to ease discomfort and improve sexual or reproductive health.

Discovering that you’ve been mutilated can be shocking, painful, and even heartbreaking.

But knowing is the first step toward healing and reclaiming your body.

You deserve to understand what happened and take control of your well-being.

Have you ever had suspicions about FGM? Let’s talk in the comments, your story could help another woman find her voice.