" instead of protecting against tears, an episiotomy may actually provide the starting place for one." (Howard, 2000). The mediolateral advantages are the enlargement of the vaginal opening and little risk of tearing to the anus. The disadvantages include more blood loss, increased postpartum pain, more scarring and prolonged painful intercourse. .
Tears.
There are four different degrees of lacerations; first, second, third and fourth. These lacerations are not as straight as an episiotomy would be but there is a lot of research that suggests you will heal faster and more properly with most lacerations. The reasons for its popularity (episiotomy) included substitution of a straight, neat surgical incision for the ragged laceration that otherwise might result. .
First degree lacerations involve only the perineal skin and mucous membranes while second degree includes the above and muscles but not of the anal sphincter. Third degree lacerations extend even further to include the anal sphincter and fourth degree lacerations extend to the rectal mucosa to expose the lumen of the rectum.
These lacerations are painful and may be harder to repair but the episiotomy may make a first degree tear turn into a fourth. If tearing is rapidly becoming out of control then .
The side effects of an episiotomy.
The incision has been attributed to urinary and fecal incontinence, persistent sexual problems, painful infections, chronic conditions and worse tearing since it is given a start point. "Even if there is tearing, which is possible, the wound is more likely to be less severe."(Howard, 2000). Urinary and fecal incontinence is when one is unable to prevent discharge of urine and feces, this is most prevalent while exercising, sneezing, coughing and laughing. Fecal incontinence is most severe when a midline episiotomy is performed and it extends to the rectum. " compared to natural tearing, episiotomies tripled the risk of a woman suffering some loss of bowel control.