Episiotomy

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Episiotomy - series

Overview

Recovery

Risks

Episiotomy

Expectations after surgery:

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.

Convalescence:

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:

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.

Review Date: 5/23/2005
Reviewed By: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Clinical Fellow, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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