[Cervicovaginal cytology in women wearing intrauterine devices]

Cervical and vaginal smears in 300 women using (a) intrauterine devices (IUD) and in 300 age matched control subjects (b), have been examined. In women using IUD, endometrial cells have been observed also in the second half of menstrual cycle, conversely these cells are present in women belonging to the control group, just in the first half of the cycle. Pattern of cervico-vaginitis due to Chlamydiae, Actinomyces and Eubacteria have been observed in higher percentage in women IUD wearers 58% of (a) group and 19.3% of (b) group (P less than 0.005). These patterns have often been characterized by the presence of repair cells. Implications in the evaluation of vaginal smears are discussed.