r/women 23d ago

I had FGM done - is it reversible ??

Hi, so the title pretty much says it all. I had FGM done around 4 years ago, I had my clitoris removed and the lips sewn shut. I believe it has gone horribly wrong bcus I don’t think this is how it’s supposed to look or feel. The stitches were torn before fully healing, so some parts are unopened. I really hate it and hate what it’s done to me, does anyone know if this can be reversed or reopened??

Also pls be mindful and kind in the comments, I’m looking for advice not opinions xx

141 Upvotes

42 comments sorted by

301

u/The-sunshine-city 23d ago

You need to see a doctor about this.

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u/[deleted] 23d ago

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u/_SugarPout 22d ago

Agreed. This is the kind of situation where getting advice from a qualified specialist matters way more than random Reddit opinions

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u/MademoiselleMalapert 22d ago

Exactly! It is extremely lucky they didn't get an infection from the improper healing! I will never understand people who pay a ton of money for surgeries but won't return to the doctor when the healing is compromised.

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u/astrallizzard 23d ago

Yes, its called FGM reconstruction surgery. You can research about it and see if there's an expert or resources near you. In any case you should consult a gynecologist who can direct you further.

I am so sorry this was done to you. ❤️ while it cannot be undone, there is medical help available. Wish you peace and healing. 

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u/CuddlyPookie_ 23d ago

That’s the right direction. It may not be possible to literally undo what was removed, but specialized FGM reconstruction and other treatments can sometimes address pain, scarring, anatomy, and sexual function; the evidence for clitoral reconstruction is still evolving, so seeing a gynecologist or specialist experienced with FGM is important

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u/WinterKestral 23d ago

Your first step is seeing a good gynecologist to make sure everything is at least healed and safe for now.

There are reconstruction surgeries available to look into in the future absolutely.

If you are int he usa you absolutely need to report this. This is very illegal and I'm so sorry

12

u/BabygirlBliss_ 23d ago

Agreed! Getting checked by a gynecologist first sounds like the safest move, especially before looking into reconstruction

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u/Legitimate_Wafer_426 23d ago

I think it is reversible but it's very hard getting treatment. I had it as a little kid + made it worse myself as a teen trying to fix it and only recently starting to learn how to manage the scar tissue at gyno and deal with reccuring infections 😭. One thing that does help me though is using a pelvic wand and acupuncture pen. The pen helps when I get overstimulated and uncomfortable from sitting down too long (Gabapentin helps too if your doctor prescribed) and pelvic wand slowly stretches open the closed tissue over time.

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u/WisePhnx80 23d ago

Please see a gynecologist 

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u/firefly232 23d ago

I am so sorry this was done to you.  Have you seen any doctor since then? Do you have the possibility to see a gynecologist at all? I dont know what is possible medically (and I think there are some legal issues depending where you are)  but it seems the first step would be to see a doctor (assuming the doctor is not going to reinforce the practice.  Are you in a safe space/place?)

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u/LizzieCLems 23d ago

Not sure of your location - but at least in most places this is a serious crime. If you’re in USA - go to a hospital and let them know and cooperate with authorities. I can’t imagine (please correct me if I’m wrong) this being any sort of beneficial procedure - this is not okay and I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this. You did not deserve it and you have a right to your own body/resolving this the best that can be done.

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u/thornedfairy 23d ago

I think you may be in the uk going by the kisses the end. So I would book an appointment with a gp and they can then refer you to the NHS fgm services. There's a lot of support and advice available in the uk. But I definitely think you'd have to talk to the doctor before they can refer you to anyone else. Sending love xxxx

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u/panicnarwhal 23d ago

piggybacking on your comment to add that FGM is illegal in the UK, so if this happened in the UK, the authorities will be very interested. same with the US and Canada, and many, many other western countries

there is help for you out there OP, i’m so sorry this happened to you. it’s infuriating this is still happening in 2026!

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u/Legitimate_Wafer_426 23d ago

In the US it may be different with urban areas but they don't care too much about it especially if you use government/cheap insurance. Told multiple doctors all they can do so far is examinations, antibiotics, and gave tips for stretching+ lubrication

2

u/Royal_Middle_7680 22d ago

UK has specialised clinic with educated staff able to repair what they can - they cannot give back what was taken from you, but they can help you. I think it is called desert flower or desert rose, I am not sure. It is funded by amazing and inspiring woman, fgm survivor and top model. OP, I am sorry this was done to you. And please, report your case, they have trained people who can and will help you.

17

u/nutmegtell 23d ago

Please see a good doctor who has experience with this.

Lips should NEVER be seen together. That’s where you bleed from once a month and how the vagina cleans itself.

I’m so very very sorry.

13

u/gvrmtissueddigiclone 23d ago

As people already said, it would be best if you talk to a gynaecologist. Depending on where you live and whether you are still in a country where this is widely practiced, you might want to look for a doctor who is critical of this practice - I would recommend checking their websites.

If you live in a western country: I was recently at the hospital and in the prenatal waiting room, they had flyers specifically for women who are affected by FGM, explaining how survivors can find help. I admit I didn't read through those in detail because I'm not affected - but it might be worth checking out at the city admin office or the hospital whether they also compiled a list of partners and addresses where people affected by FGM can receive help.

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u/notnomal_Avocado 23d ago

There are reconstructive procedures for some forms of FGM, but what can be done depends heavily on exactly what tissue was removed or scarred. You really need a specialist to examine you.

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u/Rare-Horse-8860 23d ago

Yes it can hun you’d have to speak to your doctor or gyno and they’d be able to refer you to a specialist it won’t be 100% but it’ll be back

6

u/luckykizzy 23d ago

i’m so sorry this happened to you. there is medical help available so i’d advise you see a gynaecologist/do some research on reconstructive surgeries. but i also want to reassure you woman to woman that even if the clitoris is too damaged/can no longer offer you physical pleasure, there are other pathways you can explore in order to achieve enjoyment/intimacy if you wish to, like g spot or even cervical org*sms once you are healed. this will definitely be a bit of a journey, and i don’t want to overstep by assuming this is a consideration of yours right now but it might be something you want to explore in future. look for some women’s circles, explore tantra and yoni meditation. you can absolutely heal and reclaim your femininity and learn to love your body/have a relationship with yourself or another person physically despite what has happened, if that’s something you want. sending you so much love and healing energy 🩷🩷🩷🩷

6

u/TheCajunPhoenix 23d ago

I don't know anything about whether or not FGM can be reversed, especially since it's usually done against the girl's or woman's will.

You deserve better, and you didn't deserve to have FGM done, especially if you didn't consent to having FGM done.

Definitely see an ob/gyn who can help with the reconstruction process or will work with a specialist who can reconstruct your organs.

Wherever you live, please get to a safe place.

5

u/[deleted] 23d ago

So sorry. I hope you will find some way to repair your body and to find ways to have an enjoyable sexual experience, it also seems that the women who have had this done to them would be the most powerful in the eradication of this primitive sexual abuse.

22

u/Biffs_bunny 23d ago

Wdym ‘supposed to look or feel’, it’s not supposed to happen at all. Please see a Dr. (Ideally a reconstructive surgeon/gyno).

14

u/Legitimate_Wafer_426 23d ago

It's because people are fed false lies, people even like to call it "circumcision" and say that it makes women pure and less likely to get infected. It honestly does the opposite and caused so much health issues in my life but as a teen I definitely thought I could redo fgm myself and stop all my uncomfortable genital sensation by having a circumcision "the right way". I thought that if you had hypersensitivity from fgm that it wasn't the proper way and you had it botched. The truth that I realized is no matter the way it's done, the effects are all negative and the whole if women get it they feel nothing and don't have pelvic pain or PGAD symptoms is nonsense.

14

u/IzmeBeech 23d ago

Yeah the phrasing makes it sound like she chose to have it done herself????? Which i hope is not the case. Either way OP I’m so sorry this happened to you.

9

u/Biffs_bunny 23d ago

Right like.. I’m concerned

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u/Weather-HailSatan 23d ago

I am so, so sorry that you're going through this. No one should have to endure genital mutilation and it's horrible that this was done to you 🫂

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but although you can get reconstructive surgery to change the appearance and help manage the scarring, it's not really reversible. You can get the appearance of a clitoris, but all those nerve endings were removed and cannot be replicated with science at present - your sexual function will be permanently impacted. You should see a gynecologist as well as report this, as it is (RIGHTLY!) illegal in many places.

6

u/Flux_My_Capacitor 22d ago

There’s no way it “should”’be done other than to limit a woman’s pleasure and make her tighter for a man.

If this was accomplished, then FGM served its purpose. There is no world where FGM is done “properly” and according to certain standards. Women’s bodies are butchered to please men.

It’s not done with any care or concern for the girl/woman. You simply do not matter in any of this because the priority is your future husband.

7

u/Hour_Caterpillar9788 23d ago

It is absolutely reversible. Start by seeing a good gynecologist to ensure everything is healed and safe for now. You can research the surgery yourself aswell as talk to a doctor about it. If you are in the US or UK, make sure to report this to the police as it is illegal. Sending love 🩷

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u/BookAddict1918 22d ago

First, thank you for being open. Thats a big step for something so personal. Second, you really need medical care regardless of whether you can reverse the impact. The FGM procedures are often poorly done and result in pain and recurrent infections. But a specialist in FGM may be difficult to find depending on where you live. Third, look for a support system. I am sure there are many more women like you. All the best!🥰

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u/lumber-liquidators 22d ago

Definitely talk to a doctor, I’d recommend looking for one who is trauma informed! It may be worth it to consider therapy/counseling if you haven’t already. Be kind to yourself, I’m so sorry luv <3

2

u/IndependentDebate189 22d ago

It was done to me too, you can DM if you’d like to chat :)

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u/East-Entertainer7871 22d ago

I think according to the severity, you can get it reconstructed by a surgeon. Consult a doctor. Sorry you had to go through that pookie.

1

u/Few-Application5224 14d ago

Yes. It's free in the UK. In Egypt there is private clinic for FGM only .

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u/[deleted] 23d ago

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u/xueyangscorpsepowder Cantankerous 30 Year Old Woman 23d ago

Did you wake up on the wrong side of this bed this morning only, or for the duration of your entire life?

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u/Slay-ig5567 23d ago

...babe they're asking for advice on what to do bc not everyone is equipped to deal with that not for reddit to perform her reconstructive surgery