Post-ablation genital reconstruction programme
The programme is aimed at women living in our country who have been victims of female genital mutilation during childhood in their countries of origin, and its objective is to enable them to recover their sensitivity and sexual satisfaction. In addition to medical care, they receive emotional and psychological support
- Photo: Carmen Secanella
A social programme run by the Dexeus Mujer Foundation, launched in 2007
Around the world, some 140 million girls have undergone genital mutilation, and the consequences of this initiation ritual include pain, loss of sensitivity, urinary tract infections, genital tears, fistulas and, in many cases, infertility.
The Dexeus Mujer Foundation, through the professionals at Dexeus Mujer and the Dexeus University Hospital, runs the Post-Ablation Genital Reconstruction Programme, which began in April 2007.
What it consists of
The post-ablation genital reconstruction programme consists of helping mutilated women to recover their appearance and sensitivity after having undergone ablation in their countries of origin. The Dexeus Mujer Foundation
The genital reconstruction programme is part of the social assistance work of the Dexeus Mujer Foundation and is led by Dr. Pere Barri Soldevila, who was the first doctor to perform this procedure in Spain. Its launch was a pioneering initiative in our country, which has helped to raise awareness of this problem and help many women.
Patient profile
The profile of women who wish to recover their mutilated member, previously partially or totally removed, corresponds to that of an African immigrant aged 27 on average who was born outside her country or who arrived as a child in the new Western city where she lives. Reconstruction is a major step towards the integration of women into Western society.
The consequences of this initiation ritual are varied:
- Pain.
- Loss of sensitivity.
- Urinary and genital infections.
- Genital tears.
- Fistulas.
- Infertility.
Candidates for this surgery must be residents of Spain and wish to have their genital mutilation reconstructed, as the programme does not consider the possibility of transferring African patients for surgery and then returning them to their country, in order to avoid the risk of them being repudiated.
How is the procedure performed?
The procedure lasts about 45 minutes and aims to anatomically restore the clitoris and other affected organs, as well as to recover their appearance and sensitivity, something that is achieved in more than 75% of cases . Reconstruction is a big step towards helping these women feel better about their own bodies, but until now it has also been considered taboo, as it is a ritual that is part of tradition. In addition, most admit that it has been a very traumatic process. That is why
The cost of each procedure is €3,100, which is covered by the Dexeus Mujer Foundation. Most of the patients treated by the Foundation live in Catalonia, mainly in the provinces of Barcelona and Girona. Women from other Spanish cities, especially Madrid, also attend.
Media support is a great help in publicising this programme among immigrants living in Spain, which has contributed to the steady growth in the number of patients. To date, more than 150 women have undergone surgery since the programme was launched.
Relevant data
Awards
Princess of Girona Foundation Award
In 2011, Dr Pere Barri Soldevila received the Princess of Girona Foundation Award (FPdGi) in the social field for his social commitment to this pioneering medical initiative in Spain.
Social action by Obra Social "la Caixa"
In 2011, the call for grants for social action projects by Obra Social “la Caixa” selected and awarded the Post-Ablation Female Genital Reconstruction project promoted by the Dexeus Mujer Foundation.
Testimonials
Collaborate
If you would like to make a donation to cover the cost of these patients’ procedures, you can make your contribution via the platform www.migranodearena.org
Social action programmes
Collaborate
If you would like to make a donation to cover the cost of these patients’ procedures, you can make your contribution via the platform www.migranodearena.org