BENGALURU: Obstetricians and gynaecologists in Bengaluru say they continue to receive occasional requests for the husband stitch — an extra suture intended to tighten the vaginal opening after childbirth. The demand, they highlight, is largely driven by male partners, raising further debate on equality in a relationship, especially women's autonomy over their bodies.
Dr Priya SP Patil, consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist, and laparoscopic surgeon at Altius Hospital in Rajajinagar, receives such requests once or twice a month.
Doctors warn the stitch can lead to complications later. "After a normal delivery, some degree of vaginal laxity is natural. The tightening stitch is not always significantly effective and can lead to pain or discomfort during intercourse," said Dr Nirmala Chandrasekar, consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi.
Doctors say it can lead to dyspareunia (genital pain after or during intercourse), chronic perineal pain, scarring, and long-term sexual dysfunction. "Moreover, the stitch may not even serve its purpose. It simply creates a tighter entry point," noted Dr Priya.
Consent of both the wife and husband is vital to any such intervention, said Dr Shanthala Thuppanna, senior consultant and HOD, gynaecology, Sakra World Hospital.
Instead, doctors recommend non-surgical measures. "Pelvic floor strengthening through Kegel exercises can help restore muscle tone over time. Laser treatments and other procedures are available, but none are guaranteed solutions," said Dr Nirmala.
Antenatal pelvic floor exercises, using a birthing ball, perineal massage, and maintaining good perineal tone can help patients avoid the need for the extra stitch, said Dr Sapna Lulla of Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, adding that "perineal massage technique (self/partner/doula), typically starting around 36 weeks, using lubricant and gentle stretching of the tissue between the vagina and anus, can help improve elasticity."
What is the husband stitch?It is an extra suture added while repairing an episiotomy (or perineal tear) after childbirth, intended to tighten the vaginal opening for sexual pleasure of the male partner. "Tightening should not be done during delivery because the tissues are stretched and it risks over- or under-correction; instead, it should be considered after delivery — typically after about 4–6 weeks or a few months — if symptoms persist and both partners agree," said Dr Shanthala.
Complications include incorrect placement, pain, infection, and over-tightening. Outcomes depend heavily on clinician's skill.
Medically, it is not a necessary or routinely warranted procedure; it is elective/personalised. However, I may consider it if a patient is anxious about post-birth changes, but only after discussing the pros and cons.- Dr Sapna Lulla, lead consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology at Aster CMI Hospital
The husband stitch is not recommended, and the consequences are explained to the women and their families. Counselling for such scenarios and gender equality training are given for post-graduate students as part of their curriculum.- Dr Anitha GS, assistant professor, department of OBG, Vani Vilas Hospital
We must not discourage normal vaginal delivery out of fear of laxity. Unless there is a clear obstetric indication, natural childbirth should always be encouraged.-Dr Nirmala Chandrasekar, consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Nagarabhavi