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 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.

Keywords

• contraceptive methods
• polymerase chain reaction
• vulvovaginal candidiasis
• trichomoniasis
• bacterial vaginosis