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Epidemiologic determinants of vaginal pH
M García-Closas1, R Herrero, C Bratti
1Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Department of Pathology, The Hopkins Medical Institutions, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Ministerio de Salud Costa Rica.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 18, 1999
Summary
Vaginal pH increases with age and menopause, but is not linked to human papillomavirus or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. This pH change may indicate age-related hormonal shifts.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Reproductive Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Vaginal pH is a key indicator of vaginal health.
- Changes in vaginal pH can be influenced by various physiological factors.
- Understanding these influences is crucial for reproductive health assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between vaginal pH and factors relevant to cervical cancer.
- To determine if vaginal pH is influenced by age, menopausal status, or infections.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study of 9161 women in Costa Rica.
- Categorization of women based on vaginal pH: reference range (4.0-4.5) and elevated (5.0-5.5).
- Use of odds ratios to assess relationships between elevated pH and potential determinants.
Main Results:
- Vaginal pH significantly increases with age, particularly after 45 years.
- Menopause showed a 1.7-fold increased odds of elevated vaginal pH.
- No association was found between elevated vaginal pH and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
Conclusions:
- Vaginal pH is strongly correlated with age and menopausal status, potentially serving as a marker for age-related hormonal changes.
- Elevated vaginal pH is not associated with an increased risk of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in HPV-infected women.