Female genital cutting

The African Women’s Clinic is a nurse/midwife-led clinic by women’s health nurses and midwives experienced in providing care for women who have experienced traditional cutting.

The clinic is for women of all ages, young, pregnant or older, who have experienced traditional cutting.

Health issues treated

We understand that traditional ‘cutting’ or ‘sunna’ is a very personal and sensitive issue and we take great care to respect your privacy. 

For women who have experienced traditional cutting, we offer a free health clinic run by specialist nurses to discuss the concerns you might be experiencing with:

  • Periods
  • Intercourse/Sex
  • Urination
  • Pregnancy
  • Other ongoing issues

We can help women understand the type of traditional cutting they have had and what options and procedures are available to them. Some traditional cutting can be reversed and the procedure is often simple.

If you are pregnant and affected by traditional cutting, it is particularly important for you to come to the clinic to discuss the possible problems.

A doctor’s referral is not necessary. 

What we do

The clinic offers support, education and referral to women who have experienced traditional cutting. We give you information about traditional cutting and the opening/reversal procedure.  We can also provide cervical screening tests and discuss sexual health problems. 

Information for patients

You may need three appointments...

First appointment

We will take a thorough health history and do a physical examination. We will then discuss your concerns and give you information about the opening/reversal procedure if this is appropriate. For the pregnant woman the opening/reversal procedure can be done up to 34 weeks gestation.

Sometimes the de-infibulation procedure can be done at this first appointment if there has been a discussion with a women’s health nurse prior to the appointment and time allows.

Second appointment

Depending on what has occurred at the first appointment this may be when the procedure is done or it may be a review appointment ensuring that you are recovering well and answering any questions you may have.

Third appointment

The third appointment is to review how you are doing if the procedure is done at the second appointment.

Referrals

Women can ring up and speak to one of the FARREP Team who will organise the appointment.. 

What to bring

  • Your Medicare card
  • Your Health Care card (if you have one)

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