About ¼ of all non-pregnant women older than 20 years old have pelvic floor disorders –a weakening of the pelvic muscles and connective tissues of the pelvis. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 82% of women surveyed had insufficient levels of vitamin D. The women with the lowest levels were the ones reporting pelvic floor disorders and urinary incontinence, regardless of age. Higher vitamin D levels seem to maintain muscle and connective tissue health, reducing the pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Also improved by higher vitamin D levels was the risk of fecal incontinence, although the difference was not as drastic as with pelvic floor disorders and urinary incontinence. For minor incontinence and pelvic floor issues, a regimen of specific exercises and vitamin D supplements may be just as effective as medication. Speak to your healthcare provider for more information. [Badalian SS, Rosenbaum PF. Vitamin D and pelvic floor disorders in women: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115(4):795-803]