To cut or not to cut, that is the question: A review of the anatomy, the technique, risks, and benefits of an episiotomy.

Childbirth can be a traumatic experience on the female body. Some techniques may be implemented to make the process smoother and decrease the potential lacerations that can occur. Episiotomies have been used by obstetricians and midwives to help make the fetal decent down the vaginal canal less turbulent.