Why is female circumcision done and are there any benefits accruing to the circumcised women?

Why is female circumcision done?

Female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), is the ritual removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. It is usually performed on young girls between the ages of 5 and 12, but can also be performed on adult women.

There are a number of reasons why female circumcision is practiced, including:

* Cultural: FGM is often seen as a cultural tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. In some cultures, it is believed that FGM is necessary to make a girl a woman.

* Religious: Some religions, such as Islam, teach that FGM is a religious duty.

* Social: FGM is sometimes seen as a way to control women's sexuality. It is believed that FGM can make women less likely to have sex, and therefore more likely to be faithful to their husbands.

Are there any benefits accruing to the circumcised women?

There is no evidence to support the claim that FGM has any health benefits. In fact, FGM can have a number of negative consequences for women's health, including:

* Pain and bleeding: FGM can cause severe pain and bleeding, and can even lead to death.

* Infection: FGM can increase the risk of infection, including HIV/AIDS.

* Scarring: FGM can cause scarring of the genitals, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty urinating.

* Infertility: FGM can cause infertility, or the inability to have children.

* Emotional trauma: FGM can cause emotional trauma, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

FGM is a harmful practice that has no health benefits. It is a violation of women's rights and should be stopped.