Clitoral reconstruction: challenges and new directions.

Area of Science:

• Medical ethics
• Social sciences
• Feminist studies

Background:

• Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) impacts women's sexual well-being and self-perception.
• Clitoral reconstruction (CR) is sought by women with FGM/C to address physical and psychological distress.
• Existing medical literature lacks comprehensive exploration of CR's benefits and risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze medical studies on clitoral reconstruction (CR).
• To integrate social science perspectives, including postcolonial and feminist theories.
• To examine CR through the lenses of sexuality, identity, race, and positionality.

Main Methods:

• Critical discussion of principal medical studies on CR.
• Analysis of social science reflections on CR.
• Application of postcolonial and feminist theoretical frameworks.

Main Results:

• Current medical understanding of CR benefits and risks is insufficient.
• Ethical considerations and social dimensions of CR require deeper investigation.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for a holistic understanding of CR.

Conclusions:

• Clitoral reconstruction (CR) presents complex ethical and social challenges beyond the purely medical.
• A collaborative approach involving researchers and health professionals is crucial for ethical and effective CR practices.
• Further research should address the multifaceted impacts of CR on women's lives.