There is no scientific evidence that the husband stitch enhances the sexual pleasure of either partner.
There is anecdotal evidence, however, that it can cause harm, including vaginal pain during sex.
There have even been rare accounts of females who have undergone the procedure without their consent.
Kemal Yildirim / Getty Images
Since the husband stitch is considered medically unnecessary, there is no research into its use.
The husband stitch was likely more common during the 20th century when episiotomies were routine.
What Is an Episiotomy?
An episiotomy is an incision in theperineum, the area between the anus and the opening of the vagina.
The incision is made prior to delivery and stitched closed afterward.
Episiotomies are no longer routine during childbirth.
As a medically unendorsed procedure, there are no studies researching the safety of the husband stitch.
Any such studies would be considered unethical.
Can the Husband Stitch Be Reversed?
While tears ofanal sphincterhad no impact on body image among the study participants, avaginal teardid.
Is the Husband Stitch Illegal?
Any surgical procedure performed without a person’sinformed consentcan be grounds for amedical malpracticesuit.
This includes the husband stitch.
Speak with an attorney specializing in health law.
Doing so is thought to improve sexual pleasure, mainly for the male partner.
There is no evidence to support this claim.
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2015;23(45):6877. doi:10.1016/j.rhm.2015.06.012
University of California San Francisco.Vaginoplasty procedures, complications and aftercare.
Texas State Medical Association.Transactions of the Texas State Medical Association.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Practice bulletin no.
165: Prevention and management of obstetric lacerations at vaginal delivery.Obstetrics Gynecol.
2016;128(1):e1.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Recovering from delivery (postpartum recovery).
2017;9:189198. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S123051
Vice.The ‘husband stitch’ leaves women in pain and without answers.
