Nonbarrier contraceptives and vaginitis and vaginosis

Article Abstract:

This study examined the rate of vaginitis (vaginal inflammation) and vaginosis (vaginal irritation) among women using contraceptives of different types. A literature search was carried out to identify articles that addressed this issue and relevant studies are summarized. It was found that the use of oral contraceptives (OC) does not appear to increase the risk of developing candidiasis (fungal infections due to Candida organisms), but may increase the risk of developing Chlamydia trachomatis. OC use is associated with a reduced risk of bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis (caused by Trichomonas vaginalis) compared with other nonbarrier methods such as the intrauterine device (IUD). Users of the IUD are at increased risk for bacterial vaginosis. Increased rates of pelvic inflammatory-like disease among IUD users are probably associated with promiscuity. Once the device is in place, the risk of this complication is equivalent to the risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. Neither the diaphragm nor Norplant (an implanted method of birth control that releases a hormone) appears to be associated with vaginal disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Risk factors, Vaginosis, Contraceptives, Vaginitis

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Vaginal pH as a marker for bacterial pathogens and menopausal status

Article Abstract:

Vaginal pH may prove to be a useful and inexpensive screening test for vaginal infection or estrogen levels. Doctors used Nitrazine paper to test the vaginal pH in 253 gynecologic patients having a routine examination and correlated the values with vaginal cultures and blood levels of estrogen. Menstruating women without vaginal infection had a vaginal pH of 4.5. Values in the 5.0 to 6.5 range were correlated with bacterial infection or low blood estrogen. Vaginal pH could be used to determine who should have vaginal cultures or to establish individually effective dosages of replacement estrogen in menopausal women.

Infection, Diagnosis, Measurement, Bacterial infections, Vagina, Hydrogen-ion concentration, Estradiol, pH measurement

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Effects of smoking on prostacyclin formation and platelet aggregation in users of oral contraceptives

Article Abstract:

Women who smoke and use oral contraceptives have a high risk of heart attack and other diseases caused by abnormal blood clotting. Smoking alone can increase platelet aggregation, one of the steps in the formation of blood clots. This risk can be minimized by using third-generation oral contraceptives, which contain lower doses of estrogen.

Statistical Data Included, Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, Smoking, Oral contraceptives, Blood platelets, Cell aggregation

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