Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment

Female Circumcision

A general term encompassing three types of excision of the external female genitalia - Sunna, clitoridectomy, and infibulation. It is associated with severe health risks and has been declared illegal in many places, but continues to be widely practiced in a number of countries, particularly in Africa.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A general term encompassing three types of excision of the external female genitalia - Sunna, clitoridectomy, and infibulation. It is associated with severe health risks and has been declared illegal in many places, but continues to be widely practiced in a number of countries, particularly in Africa.

MeSH Record

Classification

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

10 entry terms
  • Circumcision, Female
  • Circumcisions, Female
  • Female Circumcisions
  • Clitorectomy
  • Clitoridectomy
  • Genital Mutilation, Female
  • Infibulation
  • Clitorectomies
  • Clitoridectomies
  • Infibulations

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

18 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings adverse effects, classification, economics, education, ethics, ethnology, history, instrumentation, legislation & jurisprudence, methods, mortality, nursing, psychology, rehabilitation, standards, statistics & numerical data, trends, veterinary.

MeSH Record

History Note

96

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Circumcision (1990-1995)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

WJ 170

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Female Circumcision. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D019093. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D019093
  2. Female Circumcision. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_genital_mutilation
  3. Female Circumcision. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q208373