Long - term physical effects include a higher risk of urinary tract infections and complications during childbirth. Psychologically, these women may have nightmares or flashbacks related to the experience. Their trust in the medical community or in people in general can be severely damaged. They may also isolate themselves from social and sexual relationships due to the fear and shame associated with what has been done to them.
To help end this practice, we need to engage with communities where it is prevalent. This means working with religious and community leaders to change the cultural perception. Providing economic alternatives for those who perform the mutilations can also be effective. Additionally, offering support and protection to at - risk girls and women is vital. We should also promote gender equality as this practice is often rooted in the subjugation of women.
Many survivors may also experience ongoing mental health problems. Anxiety and depression are common, as they constantly relive the trauma in their minds. They may also have problems with self - image, feeling unworthy or ashamed because of the abuse they endured.
Adult survivors may face long - term career setbacks. If the media - based abuse is related to their work or profession, it can damage their reputation and limit their job opportunities. They might also have difficulty forming healthy relationships. The emotional baggage from the abuse can make it challenging to be vulnerable and open in relationships. In some cases, survivors may develop substance abuse problems as a way to cope with the emotional pain, which further complicates their long - term well - being.
Physical contact sports may also have positive long - term effects. Take martial arts, for instance. It can instill discipline and self - confidence that stay with a person throughout their life. However, on the negative side, contact sports often lead to a higher likelihood of bone fractures. These fractures, especially if they occur multiple times, can cause the bones to heal in a way that may affect the proper alignment and function of limbs in the long - term.
The long - term effects on victims can be both physical and psychological. Physically, they may suffer from chronic pain, especially if there were severe injuries during the abuse. Psychologically, victims often experience post - traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may have nightmares, flashbacks, and severe anxiety. Depression is also common, which can lead to problems like loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.
Survivors often struggle with self - acceptance for a long time. After being told that who they are is wrong, it takes years to rebuild their self - esteem. For example, they may avoid relationships or social situations out of fear of being judged again. They also might have problems with trust, especially when it comes to medical or mental health professionals, because of the abuse they endured during conversion therapy.
One long - term effect is a distorted self - image. Women who have been sexually abused may view themselves as damaged or dirty. This can lead to self - destructive behaviors such as substance abuse or self - harm. In terms of career, they may face challenges. For example, if they had to take time off to deal with the abuse or if they experience discrimination in the workplace because of their history. Their sexual health can also be affected long - term, with some women developing sexual dysfunctions or aversions.
The long - term effects can be both psychological and physical. Psychologically, survivors may suffer from post - traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may have nightmares, flashbacks, and severe anxiety. Depression is also common as they struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and low self - esteem. Physically, they may have problems related to sexual health. For example, they may have difficulties in having normal sexual relationships in the future due to the trauma they have experienced.
It can lead to trust issues. For example, if there was betrayal in the family trauma, it might be hard to trust people in future relationships.
One possible long - term effect is improved bone density. For example, in some trt stories, people who had been at risk of osteoporosis noticed that their bone health got better over time with trt.