[Cytologic findings in young women with reference to sex behavior]

In a prospective study the interrelations between the sexual history of young women and the results of cervix smears were investigated. The main interest was focused on females bearing a high risk of developing a carcinoma of the cervix due to their sexual behaviour. 569 volunteers up to the age of 25 underwent vaginal examination and subsequently ecto- and endocervical smears were performed. Information about the sexual life was obtained using a questionnaire. These data as well as the results of the smears were stored and analyzed by a computer. The results were compared with references in the literature. They reveal some new aspects of sexuality in young people. The median age of the menarche in this investigation was 12,7 years in correspondence with the literature. The age of the first coitus was found to be in the range reported by other authors. Another point of interest was the use of oral contraceptives in respect to possible epithelial changes of the cervix. Practising oral contraception, the relation between contraceptives of the combined type and the sequential type was 10:1. Most young females discontinue the use of oral contraceptives at least once a year usually for a period of 2 months. The majority of young women had coital experiences with only one partner. A tendency toward promiscuity was not discernible. Inspite of coital experience, a substantial number (15,1%) did not practice any kind of contraception. Besides the use of oral contraceptives (81%), temporary experience with physical (37,2%) and chemical methods (19,8%) were reported. Nearly half of the pregnancies stated in the questionnaires were interrupted. The incidence of contamination with trichomonas and candida was reduced in comparison with the literature. According to results reported by other authors, a higher frequency of positive smears was expected. Among 569 samples, only one smear Pap. III D was found in a 20 year old girl with inconspicious sexual history. Women under the age of 25 years belonging to the risk group should be included in routine check-up with cervical smears.