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What is an Episiotomy?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,837
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An episiotomy is a medical procedure in which a small incision is cut in the perineum, which is the area between the anus and the vagina, during childbirth. The purpose of an episiotomy is to make the vaginal opening larger to make it easier for a woman to give birth. At one time, the procedure was routine and very common all over the world, but additional research has suggested that this medical intervention is not necessary and can in fact be harmful to the mother.

The rationale behind an episiotomy is that it is better to create a controlled incision with scissors than to allow tearing to occur during delivery. By deliberately making an incision, a doctor can control the depth and angle, making it easier to repair. In a mediolateral incision, the doctor cuts at an angle, while a midline incision runs along the perineum in a direct line from the vagina towards the anus. However, episiotomies actually appear to increase the risk of deep tearing, because the incision essentially starts a small tear which can expand during delivery.

There are also some serious complications associated with this procedure. After the delivery, the site is usually sore and very tender, and it is difficult to urinate or defecate while keeping the wound clean. Episiotomies can also contribute to painful sex and the development of infections, and in some cases they have caused incontinence. All of these risks have made many women extremely wary of the episiotomy.

If a baby appears too large, the perineum is not stretching fully, or tearing has already begun, a doctor may recommend the procedure. Episiotomies are generally not done without the consent of the mother or someone speaking for her, such as a partner or midwife. After the delivery, the tear is sewn up and cleaned, and the woman is provided aftercare instructions which include gentle washing with mild soap, squatting to urinate, and resting in bed to prevent additional tearing.

Women who are strongly opposed to an episiotomy should make sure that their medical teams are aware of this. There are also some steps which can be taken to avoid tearing, including perineal massage, in which the perineum is gently massaged and stretched for several weeks prior to delivery so that it will expand more easily when the baby comes out. However, women should be aware that the best laid birth plan can go awry, and that a doctor may deem an undesirable action medically necessary for the health of the baby or the mother.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments
By serenesurface — On Apr 15, 2013

I wonder if tearing naturally is better than an episiotomy. I think episiotomy is better because it's a clear cut but I heard from a few people that natural tears heal in just a few weeks. It took me more than six weeks to completely heal after my episiotomy. The stitches were gone by the fourth week, but pain while walking and sitting was around for longer.

For my next pregnancy, I'm going to make sure to get perineal massage before birth. I hope I can avoid the episiotomy and its risks next time.

By fify — On Apr 15, 2013

@fBoyle-- Everyone is different, some people heal much more quickly and others take a very long time. I've heard of people having intercourse without pain at ten weeks and I've heard of others where it took six months or more for the pain to go away. If you get checkups regularly and know that there are not any complications, just listen to your body and give yourself the time you need.

What my doctor told me is no sex for six weeks. This is to prevent damage to episiotomy stitches and pain but also to prevent infection. So you have to wait this long regardless to avoid getting an infection.

By fBoyle — On Apr 14, 2013

I know intercourse can be painful for some time after an episiotomy. But how long should this last?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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