The Relationship Between Contraceptive Methods and Common Vaginal Infections

Abstract

Background: Vaginitis is a common medical problem in females. Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis are the main etiologies of infectious vaginitis. Objectives: This study was designed to assess the relationship between contraceptive methods and common vaginal infections. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 250 females were evaluated from December 2012 to February 2013. The researcher-made questionnaire included questions about individual characteristics and contraceptive methods. The participants underwent a gynecological exam. Specimens were collected from posterior fornix of the subjects and polymerase chain reaction assay was done to diagnose vaginitis. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 17) and also descriptive and analytical statistics (chi-square, t test and fisher's exact test). P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: On the basis of the findings, 43.6% of females suffered from vaginitis. Overall, 65.56% of participants used contraceptive methods. Condom use was the most prevalent method of contraception. A significant relationship was found between suffering from different types of common vaginal infections and using contraceptive methods (P = 0.017). The percentage of females with candidiasis amongst hormonal contraceptive users, and the percentage of individuals amongst non-hormonal contraceptive users were higher than the others. Conclusions: Contraceptives can increase the risk of vaginitis. Hence, health care providers should consider the probability of vaginitis in addition to the indications and contraindications of contraceptive methods and should guide couples in taking a step forward for improving their sexual and reproductive health.

Contraception as a Risk Factor of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection Among Women Attending Outpatient of Al-Batool Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children-Baqubah-Iraq

“…And comparable with result done by Merdaw et al,(2016) in Baghdad [22]. The difference could be related with the source of patients used in this study; we included only out-patients attending the obstetrics and gynecology, or related with type of techniques were used in detection of microorganisms So there was significant difference found with single infection with Trichomonas vaginalis and co-infection between Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans among age group (29-39 y) within studied groups but there was no significant correlation between age, infection and use or non-use of contraception, this result agreement with study done in Iran [23]. Also may be related with fact all women were exposed to chance of infection due to all of them were living under the same conditions.…”

“…That found strong relationship between parity and risk of Trichomonas infection and other sexually transmitted infection and explained that due to availability of good environment for parasite to grow as contamination of medical instruments or gloves and equipment. Regarding duration of marriage there was no significant correlation between it and infection in users and nonusers of contraception, these findings in consistence with study done by Shahinfar et al [23]. This may be related with limited sample size.…”

Risiko Kandidiasis Serviks Pada Wanita Usia Subur Akseptor Kontrasepsi Hormonal

“…Hasil analisis tersebut menunjukkan perbedaaan yang bermakna terjadinya kandidiasis serviks antara akseptor kontrasepsi hormonal dengan non hormonal, dengan nilai p= 0,000 (p<0.001), CI= 95% dan OR= 6,435. Penelitian ini sesuai juga dengan beberapa penelitian sebelumnya yang menunjukkan hasil serupa (4,6,13,19) .…”

Risiko Kandidiasis Serviks Pada Wanita Usia Subur Akseptor Kontrasepsi Hormonal

“…Hasil analisis tersebut menunjukkan perbedaaan yang bermakna terjadinya kandidiasis serviks antara akseptor kontrasepsi hormonal dengan non hormonal, dengan nilai p= 0,000 (p<0.001), CI= 95% dan OR= 6,435. Penelitian ini sesuai juga dengan beberapa penelitian sebelumnya yang menunjukkan hasil serupa (4,6,13,19) . Pada beberapa penelitian tersebut didapatkan bahwa kandungan estrogen maupun progesteron yang terdapat pada kontrasepsi hormonal dapat meningkatkan glikogen pada serviks dan vagina yang selanjutnya diubah menjadi asam laktat oleh laktobasilus.…”

“…Pada beberapa penelitian tersebut didapatkan bahwa kandungan estrogen maupun progesteron yang terdapat pada kontrasepsi hormonal dapat meningkatkan glikogen pada serviks dan vagina yang selanjutnya diubah menjadi asam laktat oleh laktobasilus. Suasana asam ini merupakan suasana pendukung bagi pertumbuhan jamur terutama spesies Candida (13,19) . Selain itu diketahui juga pada jamur Candida juga terdapat reseptor estrogen yang memiliki afinitas yang kuat terhadap komponen 17-β-estradiol dari estrogen.…”