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Bacterial vaginosis and smoking
D Hellberg1, S Nilsson, P A Mårdh
1Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Falun Hospital, Sweden. dan.hellberg@ltdalarna.se
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|September 21, 2000
Summary
Smoking is significantly linked to bacterial vaginosis (BV). Women with BV were more likely to be smokers, suggesting a potential causal relationship between smoking and BV development.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition.
- The role of lifestyle factors, such as smoking, in BV etiology requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between smoking and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
- To determine if other habits like alcohol and drug use are associated with BV.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 956 women from family planning and youth clinics.
- Diagnosis of BV, BV-associated bacteria, and gynecological infections.
- Structured interviews on smoking, alcohol, drug use, sexual behavior, and reproductive history.
Main Results:
- Smoking was significantly associated with BV, even after adjusting for confounding factors.
- 52% of women with BV were smokers compared to 32% in the control group.
- A dose-response relationship was observed between smoking habits and BV prevalence.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests a potential causal association between smoking and bacterial vaginosis.
- Smoking is identified as a significant risk factor for BV.
- Alcohol and drug use were not found to be significantly associated with BV.