Understanding Type 3 FGM and the Tools Commonly Used Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply harmful practice affecting millions of girls and women worldwide. One of the most extreme forms is Type 3 FGM, also known as infibulation — a procedure that causes lifelong physical and emotional trauma. 🔪 Tools Commonly Used in FGM FGM is often performed in unsterile environments by individuals without medical training. The instruments used are crude and dangerous, including: • Razor blades • Scissors • Knives • Broken glass • Sharp stones or metal • Thorns or thread (used to stitch the wound) These tools are used without anesthesia, antiseptics, or proper medical care, significantly increasing the risk of infections, excessive bleeding, and life-threatening complications. ⸻ ⚠️ What is Type 3 FGM (Infibulation)? Type 3 FGM is the most severe and invasive form of female genital mutilation. It involves: • The partial or total removal of the labia minora and/or labia majora. • The sewing together (infibulation) of the outer parts of the vulva to narrow or completely close the vaginal opening. • A small opening is left for urine and menstrual flow, but this is often inadequate and leads to chronic health issues. • In many cases, girls are tied with their legs bound together for days or weeks to help the skin fuse together as it heals. When these girls grow up, the sealed vaginal opening may need to be surgically reopened for intercourse or childbirth — a process known as de-infibulation. ⸻ 💔 The Consequences Type 3 FGM is not just a physical violation — it is a form of gender-based violence with devastating consequences: • Severe pain and trauma • Infections, including urinary tract infections and sepsis • Menstrual and sexual health complications • Childbirth risks, including obstructed labor and stillbirth • Long-term psychological damage, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression