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The rate has fallen a lot in some countries, so there are large differences (https://patient.info/doctor/episiotomy-and-tears).

The main reason it has fallen is that there’s little difference in short or long term consequences, and non-selective use of it is associated with higher incidence of severe trauma.

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/content?templateType=full&ur...

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Perhaps I wasn't clear: Some percentage of vaginal deliveries will involve either vaginal tearing or an episiotomy. Both of these involve trauma and sutures.

When a woman has sutures in that area, bowel movements can rip them out. Both bowel movements and urination can contaminate the wound with bodily wastes.

So a woman having any stitches at all between her legs for any reason whatsoever is highly problematic.

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