Microflora of cervical and vaginal secretion in women using copper- and norgestrel-releasing IUCDs

Abstract

In 90 women with a norgestrel-releasing IUCD inserted and 50 women having a copper releasing IUCD, culturing of cervical and vaginal secretion was performed prior to, and 3 and 12 months after insertion of the IUCD. There were no significant changes in the cervical or vaginal microflora, and no significant differences between the groups. According to these findings, locally released progestogens from an IUCD do not affect the microflora of the vagina or of the cervix.

PIP: The influence of copper versus norgestrel-releasing IUDs in cervical and vaginal microflora was investigated prior to and 3 and 12 months after IUD insertion. 90 women were provided with a levonorgestrel-releasing device, while another 50 women were fitted with a copper IUD. The use of an IUD did not lead to any obvious changes in the vaginal or cervical microflora, regardless of type of device. In addition, there were no significant differences in the distribution of various microorganisms between the 2 study groups. None of the study subjects developed pelvic inflammatory disease or symptoms of nonspecific vaginitis during the study period. On the basis of these findings, it was concluded that locally released progestogens from an IUD do not affect the microbiology of either the cervix or the vagina. Any increased risk of adnexitis or nonspecific vaginitis in IUD users thus appears to not result from changes in vaginal or cervical microflora.