The Four Major Types of FGM
The World Health Organization classifies female genital mutilation into four major types. All involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
Type 1
Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans (the external and visible part of the clitoris) and/or the prepuce / clitoral hood (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoral glans).
Type 2
Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora (the inner folds of the vulva), with or without removal of the labia majora (the outer folds of skin of the vulva).
Type 3
Also known as infibulation, this is the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the clitoral prepuce / clitoral hood and glans.
Type 4
This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g., pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area.
Source: World Health Organization — Female genital mutilation fact sheet
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