Definition
“FGM comprises all procedures involving partial or total  removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for non-medical reasons reasons” (WHO/UNICEF/UNFPA 2007).

Classification of FGM

The WHO categorizes FGM into 4 types:

Type 1 - Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce (Clitoridectomy)

Type 2 - Excision: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (excision)

Type 3 - Infibulation: Narrowing of the vaginal orifice with creation of a covering seal by cutting and appositioning the labia minora and/or labia majora, with or without excision of the clitoris (infibulations). It is the most extreme form of FGM and accounts for almost 15% of all FGM procedures. Infibulation is also known as “pharaonic circumcision.”

Type 4 - Unclassified: All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for example: pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterization.