Types of FGC
FGC is grouped into four broad categories: Type I, Type II, Type III and Type IV.
These categories, and their sub-categories, help us to better understand the changes that may have been made to the vulva.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way for your body to look or feel.
It is important to remember that the type of FGC you may have—and even the way it was performed—can be different because of where you have lived and your cultural background. This may mean that your body does not look exactly like the images you see below. That is okay - these images are just a guide, and they can help you understand how FGC might cause side effects.
What’s on this page?
As you scroll down this page, you will first see illustrations of the types of FGC. If you would like to see more realistic, anatomically accurate versions, simply click one of the arrows next to the illustration.
Let’s Start with the Vulva
Before we talk about the types of FGC, it is important to understand the basic anatomy, or structure, of the vulva. Remember that every person's body looks different, and these images are just a guide. If you feel comfortable seeing pictures and want to learn more about vulvas, you can check out the Labia Library.
What is the vulva?
The vulva is the part of your body between your legs. It is made up of the outer parts of your reproductive system and plays a role in urination (peeing), menstruation (your period), and sexual pleasure.
Note: We often make the mistake of calling the vulva the vagina. The vagina is just one part of the reproductive system, and it is mostly inside the body.
Parts of the Vulva
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The clitoral hood is the soft fold of skin at the top of the vulva, where the labia minora ("inner lips") meet. It may cover all or part of your clitoral glans, the external part of the clitoris.
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The clitoris is an organ in the reproductive system. It is made up of erectile tissue and nerves. It is very sensitive to stimulation and exists to allow the body to feel sexual pleasure.
We usually think of the clitoris as just the glans, or the external "bump" that we can see and feel. However, the clitoris also extends three to four inches into your pelvis. It forms a "v" shape that branches out from the glans.
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The labia majora ("outer lips") are the soft folds of skin at the edge of your vulva. The labia majora surrounds and protects the other parts of your vulva. Many people grow hair on their labia majora during puberty.
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The labia minora ("inner lips") are the folds of skin closer to the inside of the vulva. The labia minora extend down from the clitoral hood and end behind the vaginal opening.
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The urethra is the tube that extends from the bladder to the outside of the body for urination (peeing). The urethral opening is a small opening at the end of the urethra. It is located between the clitoris and the vaginal opening.
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The vagina is a complex organ in the reproductive system. It is a muscular "tube" that connects the uterus and cervix to the outside of the body. It plays an important part in your period, sex, pregnancy and childbirth.
The vaginal opening is where period blood leaves the body and where babies emerge during childbirth. It may also play a role in your intimate physical relationships.
Type 1 FGC - Clitoridectomy
FGC is considered Type 1 when some or all of the outer part of the clitoris has been removed. Sometimes, the skin around the clitoris (clitoral hood) has been cut away, as well.
Start Learning about type 1 FGC
Health care professionals are still learning about how Type 1 FGC can impact your body over time. Generally, Type 1 causes fewer side effects than Type 2 or Type 3, and some girls and women don't have any side effects. Other people experience pain, itching, and more frequent infections. Type 1 FGC might also impact your mental or emotional health.
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In these images, you may notice that there is a scar where the clitoris or clitoral hood used to be. A scar is tissue your body forms after your skin has been cut.
Scarring is a natural part of the body's healing process and can look different for everyone. If you have a scar and it causes pain, itching or other discomfort, it may be helpful to speak to your doctor.
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In Type 1 FGC, the tissue that makes up the outer part of your clitoris and/or clitoral hood may have been cut away, or removed. This can lead to scarring and may also impact how you experience pleasure in intimate partner relationships.
Many people who have experienced Type 1 FGC still have very happy, healthy romantic or physical relationships. If you think FGC might be impacting your relationship, it might help to talk to our counselor.
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The vaginal opening is where period blood leaves the body and where babies emerge during childbirth. It may also play a role in your intimate physical relationships.
The vaginal opening is not directly altered in Type 1 FGC. However, if you have questions or feel that something isn't right, it is important to speak to your health care provider.
Type 2 FGC - Excision
FGC is considered Type 2 when the labia, or "lips" of the vulva, were cut. Type 2 FGC may impact the labia minora ("inner lips"), labia majora ("outer lips") or both. It may also include cutting the outer part of the clitoris and/or clitoral hood.
Start Learning about Type 2 FGC
Type 2 FGC is not the same for everyone. Sometimes the clitoris and labia minora have been cut away. Other times, the labia majora have also been removed.
For some people, FGC Type 2 leads to scarring. For others, it makes the area around their vulva very smooth. If you have any pain, itching or other discomfort, it can be helpful to talk to a doctor. Type 2 FGC might also impact your mental and emotional health.
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A scar is tissue your body forms after your skin has been cut. A person who has experienced Type 2 FGC may have a scar if the outer part of the clitoris and/or the clitoral hood were removed.
Scarring is a natural part of the body's healing process and can look different for everyone. If you have a scar and it causes pain, itching or other discomfort, it may be helpful to speak to your doctor.
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In Type 2 FGC, the tissue that makes up the labia minora ("inner lips") and/or labia majora ("outer lips") are excised, or cut away from the body.
Sometimes only the labia minora are cut; sometimes, the labia majora are cut, too. This diagram only shows the labia minora being cut. You can click through the other images in this section to see what a vulva can look like if the labia majora are cut, too.
Everyone's body will look different after Type 2 FGC. Some vulvas will have scars or rough edges where their skin was cut. Other vulvas will be very smooth. There is no right or wrong way for your body to look.
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The vaginal opening is where period blood leaves the body and where babies emerge during childbirth. It may also play a role in your intimate physical relationships.
The vaginal opening is not directly altered in Type 2 FGC. However, if you have questions or feel that something isn't right, it is important to speak to your health care provider.
Type 3 FGC - Infibulation
FGC is considered Type 3 when the labia are cut and stitched together. A small hole is left for urine and period blood. Sometimes, the outer part of the clitoris is cut. Other times, it is hidden under the stitched labia.
Start Learning about Type 3 FGC
You may notice that there is a scar above the opening in the vulva, and that the opening is very small. This may impact how you use the bathroom or how you feel when you have your period. It can also affect sex and childbirth.
Every body is different, and how a person is affected by Type 3 FGC may change over time. If you have any symptoms around your vulva (pain, itching, infections, trouble with your period) or concerns about how infibulation might impact you in the future, it may be helpful to talk to a doctor or counselor who understands FGC.
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Sometimes, in Type 3 FGC, the outer part of the clitoris is excised, or cut. Other times, it is not cut. However, if the outer part of the clitoris is intact, it will still be covered where the labia were stitched together. A person with Type 3 FGC may not know if their clitoris was cut or not.
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A scar is tissue your body forms after your skin has been cut. A person who has experienced Type 3 FGC will have a scar where their labia were cut and stitched together. Sometimes, this scar will make the area between your legs very smooth. Sometimes, the scar may come apart or change over time and have rougher edges.
Scarring is a natural part of the body's healing process and can look different for everyone. If you have a scar and it causes pain, itching or other discomfort, it may be helpful to speak to your doctor.
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The vaginal opening is where period blood leaves the body and where babies emerge during childbirth. It may also play a role in your intimate physical relationships.
The vaginal opening is not directly altered in Type 2 FGC. However, if you have questions or feel that something isn't right, it is important to speak to your health care provider.