Women are nearly three times more likely to experience urinary incontinence for more than 10 years following a vaginal delivery rather than a caesarean section, finds new research at the Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition affecting adult women of all ages and can have a negative influence on quality of life.

A new study from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden looked at the prevalence and risk factors for Urinary Incontinence 20 years after vaginal delivery or caesarean section. The study included women who had only one child and assessed their prevalence of Urinary Incontinence for less than five years, between 5-10 years and for more than 10 years.

Overall, the prevalence of Urinary incontinence was considerably higher after a vaginal delivery (40.3%) compared to women who delivered by caesarean section (28.8%). The study also found that the prevalence of Urinary incontinence for more than 10 years almost tripled after vaginal delivery (10.1%) compared to women who had a caesarean section (3.9%).

The study also looked at the impact of weight (Body Mass index) on Urinary Incontinence. The risk increase of Urinary Incontinence in obese women more than doubled in comparison to women with a normal Body Mass index after vaginal delivery and more than tripled after caesarean section.

Maria Gyhagen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden and co-author of the paper said:

“In conclusion, the risk of developing urinary incontinence was higher 20 years after a vaginal delivery compared to a caesarean section. There are many factors affecting urinary incontinence but obesity and ageing as well as obstetric trauma during childbirth are known to be three of the most important risk factors.”