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Gynecologic disorders in women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
L J McIntosh1, V T Mallett, J D Frahm
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University/Hutzel Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Objective:
We characterized the population with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with regard to genital prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other gynecologic disorders.
Methods:
Forty-one adult women who had registered for a first-ever Ehlers-Danlos multidisciplinary clinic participated in the study. Each had a comprehensive standardized evaluation, including gynecologic history, physical examination, urodynamic testing, and physical therapy evaluation. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed to determine means for various gynecologic disorders of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Results:
The frequencies of incontinence complaints (59%), endometriosis (27%), dyspareunia (57%), and previous hysterectomy (44%) were higher than expected for a population with a mean age of 41 years. Incontinence could not be demonstrated objectively. Prolapse was diagnosed in 12 (29.3%).
Conclusions:
Careful attention should be paid to women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome because of an association with many gynecologic complaints. Women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome should be questioned regarding incontinence, genital prolapse, endometriosis, and dyspareunia.