Gynecologic disorders in women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
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.
McIntosh
L J
LJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University/Hutzel Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Mallett
V T
VT
Frahm
J D
JD
Richardson
D A
DA
Evans
M I
MI
D000328:Adult; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D004535:Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004576:Electromyography; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology