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 gyne cologic disorders. Methods: Forty-one adult women who had registered f or a first-ever Ehlers-Danlos multidisciplinary clinic participated in the study. Each had a comprehensive standardized evaluation, includin g gynecologic history, physical examination, urodynamic testing, and p hysical therapy evaluation. Qualitative and quantitative data were ana lyzed to determine means for various gynecologic disorders of Ehlers-D anlos syndrome. Results: The frequencies of incontinence complaints (5 9%), endometriosis (27%), dyspareunia (57%), and previous hysterectomy (44%) were higher than expected for a population with a mean age of 4 1 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 wi th many gynecologic complaints. Women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome shou ld be questioned regarding incontinence, genital prolapse, endometrios is, and dyspareunia.