Table 1 Classification of FGM/C types and subtypes according to WHO [2]
Type I | Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans (the external and visible part of the clitoris, which is a sensitive part of the female genitals, with the function of providing sexual pleasure to the woman), and/or the prepuce/clitoral hood (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoral glans) |
 Type Ia | Removal of the prepuce/clitoral hood only |
 Type Ib | Removal of the clitoral glans with the prepuce/clitoral hood |
Type II | Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora, with or without removal of the labia majora |
 Type IIa | Removal of the labia minora only |
 Type IIb | Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora |
 Type IIc | Partial or total removal of the clitoris, the labia minora and the labia majora |
Type III (Infibulation) | Narrowing of the vaginal opening with the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora, or labia majora. The covering of the vaginal opening is done with or without removal of the clitoral prepuce/clitoral hood and glans |
 Type IIIa | Removal and apposition of the labia minora |
 Type IIIb | Removal and apposition of the labia majora |
Type IV | All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for example, pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterization |