THE INFLUENCE OF CONTRACEPTION ON VAGINAL MICROBIOCENOSIS CONDITION

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Contraceptive use, particularly intrauterine devices (IUDs), can impact the vaginal microenvironment.
• Understanding changes in vaginal biocenosis is crucial for detecting implant-associated infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of different vaginal biocenosis types on the background of contraceptive use.
• To detect implant-associated infections in women using intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Main Methods:

• Assessed clinical status, vaginal microflora, and biofilm formation in 64 women using IUDs.
• Measured vaginal pH using test strips and assessed biocenosis via real-time PCR (Femoflor-Screen).
• Explored biofilm formation by assessing Gardnerella adhesion and measuring optical density.

Main Results:

• Vaginal biocenosis types shifted with IUD duration: Type II (normocenosis) up to 12 months, Type III (intermediate) for 2-5 years, and Type IV (vaginitis) after 5 years.
• Changes in bacterial flora and biofilm formation were linked to IUD use.
• Vaginal pH and lactobacilli presence correlated with biocenosis type.

Conclusions:

• The type of vaginal biocenosis is influenced by the duration of intrauterine contraception (IUC) use.
• Vaginal pH serves as a reliable indicator for monitoring vaginal biocenosis health during IUD use.
• Monitoring vaginal pH can help control the durability and safety of intrauterine devices.