Clitorial circumcision

Female circumcision used to be practised and is still practised in some countries, especially in Africa, as a religious ritual. This procedure has been banned by the WHO as it very often leads to mutiliation of the female genital organ arising from the surgery itself or its complications.

In current usage, female circumcision comes under the guise of clitorial hoodectomy. It is claimed, but never scientifically provened, that removing the excess skin around the clitoris enhances sexual response.

This procedure should never be done, as it is painful, disfiguring and sometimes fatal as there is an artery at the base of the clitoris which may be lacerated during surgery. Most importantly, it is non-aesthetic and serves no function.

"Vaginal Rejuvenation"

This is a terminology that has been brandished around lately in the media because of its sensational appeal. It is trade-marked in the USA by a Dr.Matlock, and is therefore propriety, and can only be used if you have paid a fee and attended a 3 day course in his clinic. A laser is used as the cutting instrument, hence is called laser vaginal rejuvenation (LVR).

Essentially, it involves tightening of the muscles around the vagina. These muscles are usually stretched or torn during delivery, and if not correctly repaired at the time of delivery, followed by good postnatal exercises, will loosen with time.

The surgical procedure is commonly termed anterior and/or posterior colporrhaphy, or sometimes simply called pelvic floor repair. If there is associated stress urinary incontinence, an addition procedure is carried out at the same time by way of a mid-urethral sling (TVT).

This new terminology is sensational, and adds nothing to the time honoured procedures. The use of the laser to do the surgery adds no advantage, although it is claimed to cause little bleeding.

What is important for the patient to know is that this "new procedure" has never been published in established medical journals or demonstrated in any medical/surgical forum. It is propriety, and therefore cannot be demonstrated even to medical colleagues. In short, it has to be kept a secret! This is against the code of medical practice as governed by the Hippocratic Oath, which preaches that all medical/surgical treatment should be shared by all medical practitioners if it is for the good of the patient It has only been advertised in tabloid publications.

Included in this vaginal rejuvenation, is G-spot enhancement to heighten sexual enjoyment. This G-spot is not an anatomical landmark. Theoretically, it is said to be located on the anterior (front) vaginal wall at the junction between the bladder and the urethra (urinary passage). It cannot be identified by clinical examination or any other mean, and varies from individual to individual.

The objective of the publicity on these "new procedures" is that they improves sexual response and enjoyment.

Please remember that sexual enjoyment between man and woman is dependent on many factors, the least of which is the anatomy of the man and woman. If there is need to rejuvenate the vagina, what about rejuvenating the penis!! Why does the responsibility of improving sexual response fall on the anatomy of the woman only?

Sexual response between couples is about mind, body and soul. The most important sex organ is the 6 inches between the ears (the brain).

It is important to take note that all the procedures discussed above are real surgical procedures. Do not for one moment think that they are simple day surgeries. As in all surgeries, complications like haemorrhage, infection, and perforation of the rectum and anal canal, can and do occur. The end result may be painful scarring of the external genitalia and vagina, leading to dry and painful sexual intercourse, the very anti-thesis of what the patient desires.