Effect of intrauterine contraceptive device on the vaginal microbial flora: a longitudinal study

ABSTRACT

Abstract The vaginal flora contains a large variety of bacterial species, including aerobic and anaerobic organisms, as revealed by modern microbiologic methods. Intra uterine contraceptive device [IUCD] is one of the most popular contraceptive methods used world wide. Use of an IUCD might change the flora of the vagina in favor of the growth of bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis [BV]. The aim of this study was to detect the changes in the normal vaginal flora and possible association of BV with copper T380A IUCD insertion. This study was a longitudinal study that included 30 women who accepted IUCDs copper T380A as a method of a birth control. All women were scheduled for another visit one month after IUCD insertion. They were interviewed and vaginal swabs were collected before and after IUCD insertion and cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Direct smear stained with Gram stain was evaluated using Ison and Hay scoring system. Our study revealed that there was no statistically significant relationship between alteration of vaginal flora and IUCD insertion