Definition and pronunciation
Episiotomy (noun) — a surgical incision made in the perineum (the tissue between the vaginal opening and anus) during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate delivery.
Pronunciation: /ɪˌpiːziˈɒtəmi/ (“ih-PEE-zee-OT-uh-mee”)
Easy explanation
An episiotomy is a small cut that a doctor or midwife sometimes makes during childbirth to help the baby come out more easily. It is stitched after birth and usually heals in a few weeks.
Grammatical formation
- Part of speech: countable noun.
- Plural: episiotomies.
- Common verbs: perform an episiotomy, undergo an episiotomy, repair an episiotomy, avoid an episiotomy.
- Adjectival use: episiotomy incision, episiotomy scar, episiotomy rate.
Word comparisons
- Episiotomy vs. perineal tear: An episiotomy is a planned surgical cut; a perineal tear is a spontaneous laceration. Both occur in the same region.
- Episiotomy vs. cesarean section (C-section): Episiotomy assists vaginal birth; a C-section is an abdominal surgery for delivery.
- Episiotomy vs. perineoplasty: Episiotomy is for delivery; perineoplasty is a cosmetic or reconstructive surgery on the perineum.
Connotations
Clinical, obstetric. Sometimes controversial because of debates over necessity: in the past, routine episiotomies were common, but current guidelines recommend selective, not routine, use.
Prepositional usage
- episiotomy during childbirth — timing.
- risk of episiotomy — likelihood.
- recovery from an episiotomy — healing phase.
- stitches for an episiotomy — treatment.
- avoidance of routine episiotomy — policy/approach.
Real-life examples
“The obstetrician performed an episiotomy to ease the baby’s shoulder delivery.”
“She needed stitches after the episiotomy, which healed in two weeks.”
“Current guidelines discourage routine episiotomy unless medically necessary.”
“Pelvic-floor exercises helped her recover after the episiotomy.”
Synonyms
perineal incision, obstetric incision, childbirth cut, delivery incision
Antonyms
natural delivery, intact perineum, spontaneous tear (unplanned, not surgical)
Related terms
perineum, perineal tear, childbirth, vaginal delivery, sutures, obstetrics, midwifery, pelvic floor, perineoplasty
Common collocations
episiotomy rate; perform an episiotomy; routine episiotomy; episiotomy scar; recovery after episiotomy; stitches for episiotomy; avoid episiotomy; episiotomy procedure; episiotomy repair; selective episiotomy
Idiomatic/figurative usage
Episiotomy is almost never used figuratively in English. It remains a strictly medical term, though sometimes used symbolically in feminist writing to discuss women’s bodily autonomy in childbirth.
Sample sentences
“She feared needing an episiotomy but trusted her midwife’s judgment.”
“An episiotomy scar may cause discomfort during sex if healing is incomplete.”
“Selective episiotomy is now preferred over routine practice to protect maternal health.”
“They discussed birth plans, including her wish to avoid an episiotomy unless absolutely necessary.”
Connection to sexuality
Yes. Since episiotomy involves the perineum—an area important for sexual sensation—it can impact sexual life after childbirth. Some women may experience temporary or long-term discomfort during intercourse (dyspareunia), reduced sensation, or emotional distress tied to body image. Proper care, pelvic-floor therapy, and supportive communication with partners can help recovery and restore sexual comfort.
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