What is currently known about female genital mutilation and incontinence: a narrative literature review

An estimated 230 million girls and women are living with female genital mutilation (FGM) which causes ongoing physical and psychological harm. This review aims to explore what is known about FGM and incontinence, including the underexamined implications for women’s health, and identify gaps in the literature.
A comprehensive database search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, APA Psych Info, AMED, Child Development and Adolescent Studies, and PubMed. To gather all relevant complications of FGM, no restrictions were imposed on date or study type. Themes were identified by organising the 20 eligible articles by symptom type.
The findings indicate that urological symptoms such as dribbling incontinence, slow micturition, urgency, stress incontinence and overactive bladder are prevalent among women who have undergone FGM. Additional complications include fistulas, pelvic organ prolapse, somatic symptoms, and urinary tract infections. The impact of FGM and incontinence on quality of life and daily activities remains under-explored, with the lived experiences of affected women largely unreported.
FGM has multiple urogynaecological consequences, with more severe forms causing increased symptoms and associated complications. This review highlights the need for further research into the biopsychosocial impacts of FGM and incontinence to provide evidence-based support for affected women.
Female genital mutilation affects around 230 million girls and women worldwide and causes serious physical and psychological harm. This review looks at the connection between female genital mutilation and incontinence, how this affects women’s health, and finds areas that need more research. Multiple medical databases were searched for relevant studies; 20 were found. These studies showed that women with female genital mutilation often have urinary problems like leaking urine, slow urination, urgency, stress incontinence and over-active bladder. Other issues include fistulas, pelvic organ prolapse, psychological symptoms like post-traumatic stress disorder, and higher risk of urinary tract infections. Treatment includes repairing injured areas with plastic surgery, teaching techniques to recognise when the bladder is full or empty, and talking therapy. These treatments were found to be effective straight after surgery, or within a few months for non-surgical options. The impact of female genital mutilation and incontinence on daily life and quality of life is not well-studied. More research is needed to understand these effects and to provide better support for women with female genital mutilation.