Clitoridectomy
Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and/or the prepuce or clitoral hood.
Ia: prepuce or hood only. Ib: clitoral glans with the prepuce or hood.One-page professional briefing
FGM/C: definition and WHO classification.
Female genital mutilation/cutting comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to female genital organs, for non-medical reasons. It has no health benefits.
Excision
Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and labia minora, with or without removal of the labia majora.
IIa: labia minora only. IIb: clitoral glans and labia minora. IIc: clitoral glans, labia minora and labia majora.Infibulation
Narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a covering seal through cutting and repositioning the labia minora or labia majora, with or without removal of the clitoral hood and glans.
IIIa: labia minora. IIIb: labia majora. Deinfibulation opens the seal; WHO recommends against reinfibulation.Other harmful procedures
All other harmful non-medical procedures to the female genitalia, including pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterisation.
This category covers harmful procedures that do not fall within Types I–III.Health and rights
No health benefits. Serious lifelong harm.
Immediate risks include severe pain, haemorrhage, shock and infection. Long-term consequences can include chronic pain, urinary and gynaecological problems, sexual difficulties, complications in pregnancy and childbirth, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic symptoms.
Use trauma-informed, non-judgemental, person-centred care. Record accurately, follow local safeguarding pathways and use current statutory guidance.
Primary sources
Check the current clinical and legal guidance.
WHO classification and subtypes →WHO FGM fact sheet →England and Wales statutory guidance →Mandatory reporting and protection orders →
Professional summary for education, not a diagnostic tool or substitute for clinical or legal advice. Anatomical classification should not be used to ask a child for details or to examine a pupil.