The episiotomy is a routine procedure that has been used since 1920. Sorne benefits such as the decrease of perineal trauma, prevention from harming the newborn by shortening me second period of labor, and prevention of the appearance of furure genital prolapses have been attributed to this procedure. However, the studies of each objective, have not really shown such benefits, and acrually there has been an increase in severe tears with the use, especialy with midline episiotomy. In this arricle, the most important studies in this field are briefly pointed out and sorne conclusions are made.