Type 1: Excision of the prepuce, with or without excision of part or the entire clitoris.

Type 2: Excision of the clitoris with partial or total excision of the labia minora.

Type 3: Excision of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching/narrowing of the vaginal opening (also known as infibulation). This type is most common in Somalia and Sudan.

Type 4: Unclassified - includes pricking or incising of the clitoris or labia, cauterisation by burning of the clitoris or introduction of corrosive substances or herbs into the vagina. Sometimes the clitoris is buried rather than excised. (WHO 1998)