Alterations of cervical cytology and steroid contraceptive use

The alterations of cervical cytology in 3206 'users' of steroid contraceptives (SC) and 2394 'non-users' (controls) have been followed by means of five surveys for eight years. The alterations of cervical cytology have not differed significantly between the two groups seven years after the first examination, but have differed significantly between younger and older women in both groups. The incidence of progression to and regression from PAP III class cytology was more frequent than the prevalence, but again it did not differ significantly between users of SC and controls. In pairs of SC users and controls, matched by year of birth and presence of PAP III cytology, the users differed significantly from controls in the frequency of pregnancy, abortion and the circumcision of their husbands. The highly prevalent risk factor common to both groups was vaginal infection, including Trichomonas vaginalis. In conclusion the author offers some comments and raises questions and speculations based on the findings of this study about the nature of alterations of cervical cytology.