Question: Hi. I am a female, I was circumcised at the age of 6. But it is only the Type 1 or what is called a Sunna circumcision. Can you tell me if that reduces sexual desire? Or when I get married will that affect sexual pleasure and gratification ?
Also, are inverted or flat nipples common before pregnancy, if so, will the nipples start protruding during or after pregnancy. I have not been pregnant yet but I think I might have inverted nipples.
Answer: The hormone testosterone is responsible for your sexual desire, not your clitoris. It is the psychological consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) that influences a woman's response to her sexual desire and sexuality. It can be a traumatic event with lasting repercussions. If you know your community does not approve of sexual women, and removes their genitals, in part or whole, to prevent them from enjoying sexual activities, you are much less likely to want to be sexual or to enjoy sex, as this would cause you to be a social outcast. If your community does not support your sexuality, you are less likely to be a sexual person. Your community may expect you to achieve personal fulfillment by fulfilling the wants and needs of your partner and children, rather than seeking out and achieving sexual pleasure and fulfillment.
If there was no damage done to your clitoral glans and nerve supply when your clitoral hood was removed, then I would guess the procedure would not adversely affect your ability to be sexual or enjoy sexual activities. Women infrequently have their clitoral hood removed in Western countries to increase pleasure, rather than reduce it. In some communities, Sunna circumcision is more a right of passage than an act of mutilation, and may have little if any negative consequences on your sexual pleasure.
If you have not learned to masturbate and do not acknowledge and accept your sexuality, this will adversely affect your sexual relationship with yourself and your partner, more than the removal of your clitoral hood. If you cannot enjoy sex alone, and accept and understand your body, it is much less likely you will enjoy partner sex, on a physical level, and experience orgasm. You cannot turn on your sexuality like a light switch, it is a process of development. See the pages about Virginity in the Intercourse section to learn more about sexual development.
Since the majority of women require clitoral stimulation to experience orgasm, if your community does not permit you and you partner to engage in sexual activities like cunnilingus and clitoral massage, you are much less likely to experience pleasure and orgasm during partner sex. If you are only permitted to engage in vaginal intercourse, you are much less likely to find partner sex enjoyable, physically enjoyable at least.
Inverted nipples often correct themselves during pregnancy and do not interfere with nursing. There are simple exercises that may help with this process. Websites and books that address breast feeding usually contain this information.