Episiotomies can cause incontinence

An episiotomy is a cut that is made in the lower vagina passing backwards towards the anus/buttocks during childbirth. The aim is to widen the vaginal opening particularly in cases where the fetus is in danger or the mother’s outlet is particularly small or rigid. Unfortunately, many episiotomies are performed as a routine even where there are no problems.
An expert panel sponsored by the National Institute of Health in the U.S. concluded that episiotomies should only be performed during difficult deliveries as they may cause up to 1,000 cases of fecal incontinence every year. Damage to the muscles surrounding the anus during an episiotomy can lead to inability to hold back feces (fecal incontinence).
About 1,000,000 episiotomies are performed every year in the U.S. every year, many of them unnecessary.

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