Episiorrhagia is a medical term that refers to the tearing of the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) during childbirth. The spelling of this word can seem challenging at first glance, but it can be easily deciphered using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The correct pronunciation of episiorrhagia is [ˌɛpɪsioʊˈreɪdʒiə]. The key elements to note are the stress on the second syllable (si) and the hard "g" sound at the end. With practice, anyone can master the spelling and pronunciation of this complex medical term.
Episiorrhagia is a medical term used to describe excessive or abnormal bleeding from the episiotomy or perineal area after childbirth. An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) during childbirth to facilitate the delivery of the baby or to prevent extensive tearing of the vaginal area.
When an episiotomy is performed, it is common for some bleeding to occur due to the cutting of blood vessels in the perineal region. However, episiorrhagia refers to an excessive or prolonged bleeding that goes beyond the normal amount expected after childbirth.
Episiorrhagia can occur due to various reasons such as the inadequate use of sutures to close the episiotomy incision, infection, poor wound healing, or the presence of coagulation disorders. The excessive bleeding can range from moderate to severe, possibly resulting in discomfort, pain, and prolonged hospital stays.
To manage episiorrhagia, immediate medical attention is essential. Healthcare providers may apply pressure to the affected area, administer medications to stop bleeding, or perform further suturing if necessary. It is crucial to identify the underlying cause of the excessive bleeding to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.
Overall, episiorrhagia refers to abnormal or excess bleeding from the episiotomy site and requires prompt medical evaluation and intervention to prevent further complications and promote recovery after childbirth.
Hemorrhage from the vulva.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "episiorrhagia" is derived from two components: "episio-" and "-rrhagia".
1. "Episio-" is derived from the Greek word "επισιον" (epision), which means "pubic region" or "perineum". The term "episiotomy" is also derived from this word, referring to a surgical cut made in the perineum to enlarge the birth canal during childbirth.
2. "-rrhagia" is derived from the Greek word "ῠ̔́ρος" (haima), meaning "blood". The suffix "-rrhagia" is used to indicate excessive or abnormal bleeding from a particular organ or region of the body.