Bacterial vaginosis among women with tubal factor infertility in Nigeria

To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among women with tubal factor infertility.

A cross-sectional prospective study of women with tubal factor infertility was conducted at a Nigerian teaching hospital between March and September 2014. An equal number of fertile women attending the family planning clinic were recruited as controls. Interviews were conducted to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, history and characteristics of vaginal discharge, knowledge, and practices. Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed using the Amsel criteria. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine predisposing factors.

Overall, 178 women with tubal factor infertility were recruited. Bacterial vaginosis was noted in 50 (28.1%) of these women, compared with 14 (7.9%) of 178 fertile women (P < 0.001). Patients with tubal factor infertility had an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis when they were of low socioeconomic class (OR 11.89; 95% CI 5.20-27.69), practiced vaginal douching (OR 19.15; 95% CI 7.26-47.75), used vaginal drying agents (OR 17.04; 95% CI 6.91-43.24), had an early sexual debut (OR 32.08; 95% CI 12.02-88.89), and had a history of sexually transmitted infections (OR 12.42; 95% CI 5.36-29.35).

The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was high among patients with tubal factor infertility. Socioeconomic and cultural factors contribute to the risk of the condition.