The association between copper containing IUCD and bacterial vaginosis

This study was designed to investigate whether there is an association between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and the use of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). Six hundred Papanicolaou stained cervicovaginal smears were analyzed cytologically. 56 of 600 patients (9.3%) were detected as having IUCD. Four of 56 (7,1%) and 10 of 544 (1.8%) were positive for BV [Bv (+)]. The duration of the use of IUCD was higher than 4 years in 3 of 4 patients who were BV (+). This study showed a significant correlation between the use of IUCD and the presence of BV statistically (p < 0.05). Our findings also suggest that time limited BV infection is associated with long term use of this device. It can be suggested that a periodic microscopic examination and use of IUCD (less than 5 years) are convenient to prevent this kind of anaerobic infection.