Impact of contraceptive initiation on vaginal microbiota

Impact of contraceptive initiation on vaginal microbiota

Sharon L. Achilles, MD, PhD; Michele N. Austin, BS; Leslie A. Meyn, PhD; Felix Mhlanga, MD; Zvavahera M. Chirenje, MD; Sharon L. Hillier, PhD

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“BACKGROUND: Data evaluating the impact of contraceptives on the vaginal microbiome are limited and inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that women initiating copper intrauterine device use would have increased bacterial vaginosis and bacterial vaginosis-associated microbes with use compared to women initiating and using hormonal contraceptive methods.

CONCLUSION: Copper intrauterine device use may increase colonization by bacterial vaginosis associated microbiota, resulting in increased prevalence of bacterial vaginosis. Use of most hormonal contraception does not alter vaginal microbiota.”

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