title: Female genital mutilation: cultural awareness and clinical considerations.
abstract: Clinicians in the United States are increasingly encountering girls and women who have undergone female genital mutilation. To foster a more trusting relationship with such patients, health care providers must have an accurate understanding of the cultural background surrounding this practice, a working knowledge of the different types of female genital mutilation procedures that may be encountered, and an awareness of both the acute and long-term complications. Some of these complications are potentially fatal, and the correct clinical diagnosis can be lifesaving.
authors.forename: Cathleen M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Braddy
authors.forename: Julia A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Files
mesh_terms: D019093:Circumcision, Female / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification* / Q000208:ethnology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health; D014933:Women's Rights