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pubmed:otherAbstract |
PIP: The effect of oral contraceptives (combined OCs) and IUDs (Lippes loop D) on vaginal flora and immunoglobulin levels (IgG and IgA) was studied via bacteriological examination of 3 vaginal swabs (cervical mucus) from each of 120 nonpregnant, multiparous randomly selected women aged 20-40 years. All participants had used the respective contraceptive method from 1-10 years. IgA and IgG levels increased simultaneously with duration of OC intake until 4 years and then decreased thereafter. Both Ig levels increased with duration of IUD use. Subjects using OCs harbored Trichomonas vaginalis more often and the prevalence increased with duration of pill intake. Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobic streptococci, and gram-negative bacteria also increased among pill users until 4 years of use and then decreased with continued duration of pill usage. Among pill users, the pH shifted to alkaline, whereas with IUD use the pH shifted to the less acidic side. IUD users also had increased incidence of tric, candida, staph, anaerovic strep, and gram-negative bacilli, a rate which increased with duration of IUD use.
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