Women in areas where female genital mutilation (FGM) is practiced usually receive no special treatment for the condition. When they have received infibulation (the fusing of the labia), the scar is opened up for childbirth and may be resewn after giving birth. In recent years, more women with FGM have immigrated to areas where the procedure is uncommon or illegal. Physicians are able to perform remedial surgery in some cases. Infibulation scars can be reopened. Some surgery can restore external areas around the clitoris. However, clitoral removal cannot be reversed.

Cultural differences may aggravate communication problems with physicians unfamiliar with FGM practices. Women may be accustomed to more pain, not realizing it is associated with the condition. Physicians may not understand the cultural importance some people place on the procedure. Some women may request that FGM be performed on their daughters. In the United States, any medically unnecessary procedure on the genitals cannot be performed on girls under the age of 18. Any initial procedure cannot be performed on adult women. However, resewing an infibulation scar (reinfibulation) is permitted.