Objective of this longitudinal observational cohort study was to analyze incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) symptoms, including pelvic organ prolapse (POP), urinary incontinence (UI), and fecal incontinence (FI), seven to twelve years after delivery, in two groups of singleton primiparae after vaginal delivery (VD) and cesarean section (CS).

Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) usually refers to three definable groups of symptoms that include pelvic organ prolapse (POP), urinary incontinence (UI), and fecal incontinence (FI). The prevalence of these conditions increases with age, but in general, PFD affect 20-50 % of women throughout their lives. Thus, PFD are common and have significant societal impact. Another important PFD risk factor is childbearing. Specifically, these disorders are more common among multiparas. Vaginal delivery (VD) has been considered the main contributing factor because of pelvic floor muscle, fascia, and nerves damage.

Inclusion Criteria:

• singleton pregnancy
• cephalic presentation
• delivery in term (gestational week 38-42)
• no other childbirth during study period

Exclusion Criteria:

- operative vaginal delivery (vacuum extraction or forceps delivery)

Primiparae delivered vaginally (VD group) or by cesarean section (CS group) during the years 2002-2007 in university-based large perinatology center