Association of female genital mutilation and female sexual dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To meta-analyze possible associations between female genital mutilation (FGM) and female sexual dysfunction, dyspareunia and pelvic pain.

Method: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, African Index Medicus and Cochrane Library. The PICO protocol included Population: Studies evaluating girls or women; Intervention/Exposure: participants with FGM; Comparison: participants without FGM; Outcomes: female sexual function, dyspareunia or pelvic pain using validated tests. Random effect models were used for meta-analyses, and standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for any of the measured continuous outcomes were calculated when possible. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results: Fifteen studies (n = 6672 participants) reported on the outcomes of the 19-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The meta-analysis of the total FSFI score showed a SMD of -1.43 (95 % CI -2.17, -0.69) suggestive of female sexual dysfunction. In addition, scores for the six FSFI domains were significantly lower in women with FGM: SMDs for desire -0.62 (95 % CI -1.01, -0.22), arousal -0.88 (95 % CI -1.41, -0.35), lubrication -0.95 (95 % CI -1.45, -0.46), orgasm -1.07 (95 % CI -1.63, -0.50), satisfaction -0.96 (95 % CI -1.52, -0.41) and pain -0.48 (95 % CI -0.91, -0.05). Estimation of the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction with the FSFI was not possible since different cut-offs values were used in those studies that reported for this outcome. No other searched outcomes using other tools were reported.

Conclusion: FGM seriously alters female sexual function as assessed with the FSFI, globally and per domain.

Keywords: Female Sexual Function Index; Female genital cutting; Female genital mutilation; Female sexual dysfunction.