Psychological consequences:

·         shame
·         fear
·         depression
·         posttraumatic stress disorder and memory problems
·         Immediate complications can include:
·         severe pain
·         shock

 Physical consequences:

·         hemorrhage (bleeding)
·         tetanus or sepsis (bacterial infection)
·         urine retention
·         open sores in the genital region
·         injury to nearby genital tissue
·         death

 Long term consequences are:

·         recurrent bladder and urinary tract infections
·         cysts
·         infertility
·         increased risk of childbirth complications and newborn deaths
·         decreased sexual responsiveness

 Also women with FGM are significantly more likely than those without FGM to have adverse obstetrical outcomes including:

·         prolonged or obstructed labor
·         obstetric fistulas
·         caesarean section
·         postpartum hemorrhage
·         extended maternal hospital stay
·         infant resuscitation, stillbirth or early neonatal death, and low birth weight