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Female Genital Mutilation
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has deep roots in historical, religious, and cultural traditions. Feminists argue that it is a form of subjugation of women and gender-based discrimination. The United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO) define FGM as complete or partial removal of the female genital organs or any other harmful injury inflicted on them for cultural, religious, or recreational reasons. There are four types of genital mutilation. Type 1, also known as circumcision or sunna (Arab word meaning tradition), is the excision of the precipice, which is the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris. Type 2, also known as clitoridectomy, is the excision of the clitoris with partial or total removal of the labia minora, which are the smaller inner folds of the vulva. Type 3, also known as infibulation or pharaonic circumcision, is the excision of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching or narrowing of the vaginal opening. Type 4, which can include a range of procedures such as piercing, pricking, burning, scraping, cutting, or introduction of corrosive substances into the vagina.

Procedure
Type 1 (circumcision) and Type 2 (clitoridectomy) are the most common forms of FGM making up about 80% of cases and Type 3 is the most extreme form and makes up about 15%. Type 3 is commonly a practice of choice in several African countries. The risks of FGM include physical, sexual, psychological, and pregnancy consequences. The procedure is done in a secluded area in the home and the child may be blindfolded or allowed to see where it will take place. Once they arrive the girl is often immobilized on her back with her legs spread apart so that the procedure may be performed. After the procedure is finished the girl’s legs are bounded together and left in a secluded area to recover for 40 days. The people who perform the “surgical” procedure are usually untrained midwives or elderly women and they more than often use unsterilized razor blades, scissors, knives, broken glass, sharp rocks, or even their teeth. This and the binding of their legs cause infection in the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Research has shown that circumcised women have significantly lower levels of self-esteem as opposed to uncircumcised women.

Vaginitis
Vaginitis is one of the most common infections in the female reproductive system and accounts for more than ten million office visits per year. It is difficult to determine the organism most responsible for vaginitis because it varies from range of age, sexual activity, and method of microbial identification. Vaginitis is not necessarily a sexually transmitted disease due to many infectious agents that make use of the close proximity to mucous membranes and secretions. Vaginitis is usually diagnosed based on the presence of vaginal discharge, which can have a certain color, odor, or quality.

Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis is another common infection in women but it differs from vaginitis in that there is no inflammation. Organisms known to cause bacterial vaginosis are trichomonas and candida, which is the most common active pathogen in the female genital tract. Bacterial vaginosis is not an infection by a single organism but an overgrowth of multiple colonizing bacteria. The diagnosis for bacterial vaginosis is made if three of the following four criteria are present: (1) Homogenous, thin discharge, (2) a pH of 4.5 in the vagina, (3) epithelial cells in the vagina with bacteria attached to them, or (4) a fishy odor. This method of identifying bacterial vaginosis is also known as the Amsel Criteria. Symptoms include burning during urination and/or itching around the vulva. Women also experience a gray or white vaginal discharge along with pain and a fishy odor. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with acetic acid, estrogen, fermented milk, or antibiotics. It is recommended to finish the entire course of antibiotics even if symptoms have subsided. It has been associated with an increased risk of other genital tract infections such as endometritis.

Yeast Infection
Yeast infection is a common cause of vaginal irritation and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at least 75% of adult women have experienced one at least once in their lifetime. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina known as candida. Yeast infections are usually caused by an imbalance of the pH in the vagina, which is usually acidic. Other factors such as pregnancy, diabetes, weakened immune systems, tight fitting clothing, or douching can also be a cause. Symptoms of yeast infections include itching, burning, irritation, and a white cottage-cheese-like discharge from the vagina. Women have also reported that they experience painful intercourse and urination as well. Taking a sample of the vaginal secretions and placing them under a microscope for evidence of yeast can diagnose a yeast infection. Treatment varies from creams such as metronidazole or tinadazole that can be applied in or around the vaginal area to oral tablets that stop the growth of fungus.