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Episiotomy - series

Overview Recovery Risks

Episiotomy

Risks: Episiotomies were once routinely performed to prevent vaginal tears during delivery. Today, there is a great deal of controversy regarding the procedure. A systematic review of episiotomies in the U.S. 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: Infection Bruising Swelling Bleeding Incontinence References: Text Continues Below 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. American Pregnancy Association. Episiotomy. Available at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/episiotomy.html. Accessed May 12, 2005.

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