Colposcopic and cytologic findings among women with abnormal vaginal flora

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the association of abnormal vaginal flora with pathological colposcopic and cytological findings.

A total of 100 women of reproductive age were examined. Pregnant women were excluded. Each patient completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding sexual history and vaginal symptoms. All participants underwent a gynecological examination and colposcopy. Pap smear of the cervix and samples of vaginal discharge for microbiological analysis were obtained before the colposcopic examination. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test, chi test, and multifactorial analysis of variance.

Results of colposcopic examination were normal in more than 70% of all examined women, except in women with bacterial vaginosis where < 30% had normal results. Of all the women examined only 1 did not have normal (class II) Pap smear results.

Our study indicates that women with abnormal vaginal flora more often have pathological colposcopic findings, such as leukoplakia, vaginal hyperemia, and chronic cervicitis.