'Circumcision Does Not Reduce Sexual Libido'– Gynaecologist Fawole

Prof. Adegboyega Fawole of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ilorin, has said that the belief that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) will reduce sexual libido in women is erroneous.

Fawole stated this on Friday, June 9, 2023, in Ilorin during the 231st Inaugural Lecture of the university entitled: “Reversing Nigerian Women’s Poor Health indices: Challenges and Prospects”.

The don, who teaches in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, submitted that there was no scientific claim to the belief.

According to him, a lot of education and counselling has gone into this, aimed to reverse the trend, but FGM has persisted.

“Despite efforts to eradicate FGM, the act continues to be performed globally.

“Sexual health education is expected to be well formatted at the secondary school level to bring about the desired changes with the teachers as pivots,” he said.

The gynaecologist said that research found out that about 43.3 per cent of the female teachers were themselves victims of FGM, and most of the mutilations were performed by traditional circumcisers.

He lamented that fathers initiated the FGM of their daughters, while mothers-in-law were the main initiators among the women.

Fawole expressed worry, pointing out that among secondary school teachers, research showed that the trend was not abating as some teachers – male and female — held the opinion that females should be circumcised.

He appealed to the government at all tiers to sustain the health insurance scheme and accommodate more citizens in the National Insurance Scheme.