When rites are wrong.

140 million girls and women worldwide have undergone some form of female genital mutilation (FGM). The African Women's Clinic at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust is one of eight UK centres providing care and support for women experiencing problems as a result of FGM. FGM is most commonly performed in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. FGM is illegal in the UK. FGM can cause recurrent urinary tract infection, painful sexual intercourse and menstruation, and difficulties with childbirth. A ten-minute procedure under local anaesthetic can help with micturition and menstruation. Reversing FGM during pregnancy is best done at 20 weeks.