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Gynecologic Disorders in Women With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Veronica T. Mallett,, MD

Jane D. Frahm, PT

David A Richardson, MD

Mark I. Evans,, MD

Division of Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Departments of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Wayne State University/Hutzel Hospital, Detroit, Michigan

Objective: We characterized the population with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with regard to genital prolapse, urinary incontinence, and otehr 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.

Key Words: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome • urinary incontinence • genital prolapse • endometriosis • dyspareunia

Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, Vol. 2, No. 3, 559-564 (1995)
DOI: 10.1177/107155769500200309


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