Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drugs & Supplements Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Episiotomy

Printer-friendly versionEmail this page to a friend
Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Episiotomy  - series
Episiotomy - series

Definition    Return to top

Episiotomy is a procedure where the skin between the vagina and the anus (the perineum) is cut. It is done occasionally to enlarge the vaginal opening so that a baby can be more easily delivered.

Description    Return to top

Just before the baby is born, the obstetrician numbs the vaginal area and makes one of two cuts:

The cut makes the opening to the vagina bigger. The cut is stitched closed after the baby and placenta have been delivered.

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

An episiotomy may be needed if the baby's head is too big for the mother's vaginal opening, or the baby is in a breech position (feet or buttocks coming first) and there is a problem during delivery.

Risks    Return to top

Episiotomies were once routinely performed to prevent vaginal tears during delivery. Today, there is a great deal of controversy regarding the procedure. A review of episiotomies performed in the United States found that the procedure offers no benefit, and stated there was no evidence to suggest it improves a woman's sexual function. The same review, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that women who have an episiotomy have more intercourse-related pain after pregnancy and take longer to resume having sex after childbirth.

Additional risks include:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

An episiotomy usually heals without problems and may heal more quickly than a tear. It is also thought to help prevent vaginal stretching and to tighten the vagina after delivery. However, some women experience prolonged pain with intercourse after the procedure.

Recovery    Return to top

Normal activities can be resumed shortly after birth. The stitches are absorbed by the body and do not need to be removed. Pain and discomfort can be relieved with warm baths and medications.

References    Return to top

Hartmann K, Viswanathan M, Palmieri R, Gartlehner G, Thorp J Jr, Lohr KN. Outcomes of routine episiotomy: a systematic review. JAMA. 2005 May 4;293(17):2141-8.

Update Date: 5/6/2007

Updated by: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.