Contraceptive use in women with bacterial vaginosis

The aim of the study was to investigate if bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with use of specific contraceptives. Women at family planning and youth clinics (n = 956), among whom 131 had BV, were subjects for structured in-depth interviews including current and previous contraceptive use. Variables measuring sexual risk-taking were ascertained. Current users of contraceptives were compared with non-users. Both oral contraceptive (OC) and condom use showed a significant protective effect against BV, adjusted for possible confounders (odds ratios were 0.4 and 0.3, respectively). Intrauterine device use (IUD) showed no association with BV. Women with BV had less often used any contraceptives, including condom, at their sexual debut than the women in the comparison group. In this study, OC and condom use seemed to exert a protective effect against BV, whereas no effect for IUD use was found.