APA Dictionary of Psychology

any nontherapeutic procedure performed to modify or remove any part of the external genitalia in females, associated with cultural norms of femininity, chastity, and religious observance in certain countries, particularly in Africa. FGM takes one of four forms: excision of the clitoral hood only; excision of the entire clitoris (clitoridectomy) and often the labia minora; excision of the clitoris, labia minora, and most of the labia majora, with the sewing together of the remaining tissue to leave only a small vaginal opening (infibulation); and any other injurious procedure, such as incising or burning of the clitoris, cutting of the vagina, and insertion of substances to cause vaginal bleeding. FGM may have numerous adverse consequences, such as severe pain, excessive bleeding, infection, reduced sexual sensitivity, less frequent orgasm, decreased enjoyment of sexual intercourse, and obstetrical complications. Also called clitoral circumcision; female circumcision; female genital cutting.