Lived Experiences of Labia Minora Elongation Among Adolescent Girls in Wakiso District

Abstract

Introduction: Women and girls in different countries practice different Female Genital Modifications (FGMo) for several reasons which may include initiation to adulthood but also preparation for marriage. Labia Minora Elongation (LME) is among those practices carried out in different African countries; In Uganda it is mainly practiced in the central specifically the Buganda region. It refers to the elongation of the inner lips of the external female genitalia. The process takes a long time until the realization of the intended length which ranges from 2 to 8 cm is met. Like many Types 4 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practices that do not involve cutting, Labia Minora Elongation does not receive the much-needed attention like Type I, 2, and 3 from researchers, funders, and programmers yet it presents significant impact on the psychological and Physical wellbeing of adolescent girls. The study therefore set to describe the lived experiences of adolescent girls who have experienced Labia Minora Elongation in Wakiso district. Methods: The study used a phenomenological study design to describe the experiences of Labia Minora Elongation following initiation into the practice. In-depth interviews were held with 17 adolescent girls aged 10-15, who had experienced labia minora elongation and these were the primary sources of data. The study looked at the perceptions on LME, the process of elongating the labia minora, major challenges that adolescent girls face after Labia Minora Elongation initiation and the coping strategies they utilize. Findings: Labia Minora Elongation is an unpleasant prolonged process that subjects adolescent girls to months of physical and psychological suffering. It is presents challenges which are usually not acknowledged by the community, and this makes the whole experience a very difficult one. Adolescent girls experience a lot of pain, swelling of the Labia Minora, itchiness from the herbs used, stigma from peers and other psychological effects of engaging in a practice that they are compelled into and don’t fully understand. Discussion: The findings from this study revealed that girls are coerced into modifying their genitals thus there is need for awareness creation to help them have the right information and make their own informed decisions on whether to or not participate in the practice. Even though adolescent girls come up with coping mechanisms to deal with these challenges, they need to be protected against this practice that affects their wellbeing. The study findings will be used to inform policy formulation against the practice and sensitization interventions on the physical and psychological consequences of LME among adolescent girls. The findings will also provide an opportunity for more research on experiences of adolescent girls following LME practice and other silent effects impacting the psychical, sexual, and psychological wellbeing of Adolescents girls in the country and the region.