Infantile masturbation in an African female: is this a justification for female genital cutting? (2008)
This study is a Explanatory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Otaigbe Barbara Edewele
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: Psychological,Sexual.
Objective:
Study Population: 15-month-old female
Findings: Infantile masturbation was viewed by the pediatrician and a 10-minute video recording was taken to confirm the diagnosis. The mother was reassured,counseled about behavioral and environmental modification. There was a marked improvement when the baby was seen 6 weeks later. Infantile masturbation rarely diagnosed in our region is probably due to a low index of suspicion and because mothers are afraid of stigma. We suggest that infantile masturbation should always be considered as a differential diagnosis of strange movement mimicking epilepsy in infants,and when a diagnosis is made parents should be counseled against female genital cutting. A video recording is encouraged fora correct diagnosis.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Africa
Country(ies):Nigeria