Defibulation/surgical opening of the labia, patient information in english

What is female genital mutilation/circumcision?

During female genital mutilation, parts of the girl´s external genital organs are removed and/or changed for no medical reason. This can lead to a variety of problems later in life. The problems vary depending on how the genital mutilation was performed. In the case of a pharaonic circumcision (infibulation), the labia have been joined together in front of the vaginal opening forming a covering seal.

The narrowed opening in the skin bridge can cause several typical problems:

• Slow urin flow or divided urinary stream
• Menstrual difficulties
• It may be painful, difficult or impossible to have vaginal sexual intercourse
• It can be difficult or impossible to perform a gynecological examination, for instance to get a cervical pap smear test
• Vaginal childbirth or vaginal examination during delivery may be difficult

The surgery: 

If the opening in the joined labia is narrow and causes problems mentioned above, we can help by performing a surgery called deinfibulation.

The seal that covers the vaginal opening is divided and the edges on each side are sutured. The stitches promote healing, decrease pain and prevent the labia to fuse together again during the healing process. The stitches remain for approximately 2 weeks and are thereafter dissolved.

You will receive an injection with local anaesthetics into the covering seal before the operation so that you don’t feel pain during surgery. It is possible to perform the surgery during pregnancy since it is not harmful for the fetus.

Before the surgery:

You can live your life as normal prior to surgery and preferably eat something before you come to the clinic. Arrive in good time. You will be able to go home directly after the operation.

1,5 hours before scheduled surgery you should apply the anaesthetic cream that you received earlier onto the covering seal and take painkillers:

•  2 Alvedon (paracetamol) à 500 mg and 1 Ibuprofen 400 mg if you are not pregnant.
• only 2 Alvedon (paracetamol) à 500 mg if you are pregnant.

On the day of the surgery, go to Gynmottagningen (level 0, elevator B) where you met the doctor during your previous visit, and register at the reception desk.

After the surgery:

•  Rinse your genital area with water but avoid using soap
• You may find it more comfortable to rinse your genital area with water while you are urinating in the beginning
• Avoid having sexual intercourse until the wound is fully healed
• You may feel pain during the first days after the operation. Please use painkillers regularly for relief.
  2 Alvedon (paracetamol) à 500 mg 3 times daily.
  If you are not pregnant or allergic, you can add 1 Ibuprofen 400 mg 3 times daily
  You will also receive an anaesthetic gel that relieves the stinging sensation. You can apply this gel several times every day
• The pain should improve each day

If your temperature should reach above 38 degrees Celcius, or if the pain gets worse, please call Gynmottagningen at 08-123 627 00 during daytime, or contact Gynakuten(Extern länk) if irregular hours (evening, night or weekend). 

You are also welcome to contact Gynmottagningen(Extern länk) if you have questions prior to your surgery.