The association between anogenital distance, reproductive and general health in adult females- a prospective cohort of 17 years

Background: Studies have suggested an association between prenatal hormonal environment and anogenital distance (AGD). We aimed to study the association between AGD and health characteristics in adult women. Methods: In this prospective cohort AGD was measured in 300 parturients during the years 2000-2001. In December 2017, study participants‘ hospital records were abstracted and medical diagnoses grouped into major categories, including gynecological, cardiovascular, and other. Associations between AGD and the morbidities categories were evaluated using multivariable survival models, which adjusted for confounding variables. Results: Participants were 44.3 ± 5.4 years old with mean AGD 40.3 mm (±10.7 mm). Women with below vs. above mean AGD were more likely to develop gynecological morbidities (39.9% vs. 27.1%, adjusted Hazard ratio 1.82; 95%CI 1.08–3.06). Conclusions: Women with short AGD are at increased risk for gynecological morbidities. AGD should be studied further, and may possibly be used for screening of women at risk for these conditions.