Actinomycosis infection associated with intrauterine contraceptive devices

Papanicolaou-stained cervicovaginal smears from 478 women with intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) in place were reviewed for the presence of Actinomyces colonies. The overall infection rate was 12.6%. Plastic IUDs had a significantly higher infection rate than that of Copper 7 IUDs. The infection rate was found to increase with the duration of use of IUDs. The presence or absence of Actinomyces was not related to age, race, parity, previous abortions, or financial status of the patients.