**5. Symptoms**

Symptoms of pelvic floor disorders usually develop gradually and slowly over time. Unfortunately, symptoms associated with pelvic floor disorders are still a taboo and women often take a long time before opening up to their gynecologist and to seek help for their condition. Problems which are then reported are primarily symptoms of prolapse (Feeling of something coming out of the vagina, downward pressure, pain), urinary or fecal incontinence or bladder voiding dysfunction. The latter often leads to recurrent UTIs. Both stress and urge incontinence can occur as common symptoms of prolapse, whilst anal incontinence is rather rare. Instead, in the context of a rectocele, defecation disorders occur more frequently, which are often interpreted by patients as constipation [9].

These symptoms have a high impact on patients` everyday life. Incontinence can lead to avoiding daily social activities, while many patients also avoid drinking enough fluids, in order to avoid the loss of urine. Using incontinence pads also means a financial burden for the women affected. Patients suffering from prolapse often avoid sexual intercourse, because of feeling ashamed, while some even experience painful intercourse. Pelvic floor disorder can have a huge impact on a woman's social, emotional, sexual, physical and financial well-being. Addressing the patient actively and asking about pelvic floor disorder symptoms can be helpful.
