STUDY OF VAGINAL MICROBIAL FLORA IN CONTRACEPTIVE USERS
BACKGROUND The present study was carried out at Government Medical College, Nagpur, to study the vaginal microbial flora in women using contraceptive measures. The lactobacillus dominant flora is a protective barrier against development of various microbial infections of vagina. The alteration of this protective mechanism is associated with an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis. The vaginal flora can be disrupted by a variety of factors like use of contraceptive measures, sexual intercourse, antimicrobial use and douching. The effects of specific contraceptive methods on the vaginal flora are not clear. The present study is therefore undertaken to study the vaginal microbial flora in contraceptive users. MATERIALS AND METHODS The vaginal swab was taken in all cases for detection of microbial flora in women who were using various contraceptive measures and nonusers. Isolation of organisms was done by using various bacteriological tests. The microbial data obtained in the two groups was compared. Student’s T-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Gardnerella vaginalis, E. coli, Enterococci, group B streptococci and Candida spp were grown in the patients using oral contraceptives as well as copper-T. However, the growth of Gardnerella vaginalis (69.12%), group B streptococci (60%) and Candida spp (58%) was more in patients using copper-T while, growth of E. coli (51.72%) and Enterococci (72.22%) was more in patients using oral contraceptives. This difference in the growth of various organisms, however, was not significant. CONCLUSION It is concluded that the vaginal swab for microbial flora should be studied in all women using contraceptive measures. Presence of any abnormal microorganisms should alarm for immediate measures to control the infection and thus prevent establishment of vaginitis.
