Vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal women with pelvic floor disorders

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of vitamin D deficiency and pelvic floor disorders (PFD) including pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective case control study on 120 women with or without symptoms of PFD. Relevant history and clinical examination were conducted. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were measured in all women. Chi square and student t test were used to test significance of association. Logistic regression was used to adjust for age. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 120 postmenopausal women included, 51 had PFD on clinical examination. Of the 51 cases, 28 women had POP and 14 women had stress incontinence (SUI) while nine women had both POP and SUI. The study showed that vitamin D levels were significantly lower in women with PFD than those without PFD. Menopausal status of more than 5 years was also significantly associated with PFD. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest association of vitamin D deficiency and PFD in postmenopausal women. In addition, postmenopausal women have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency indicating a need to evaluate vitamin D levels in these women.