A follow-up study of methods of contraception, sexual activity, and rates of trichomoniasis, candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990 Aug;163(2):510-4. doi: 10.1016/0002-9378(90)91186-g.

Abstract

A randomized, clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the spermicidal agent nonoxynol 9 as prophylaxis for sexually transmitted diseases. Eight hundred eighteen women using birth control who attended a sexually transmitted disease clinic were evaluated monthly for trichomoniasis, candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis for 6 months. Women using the active spermicide experienced a somewhat lower incidence rate of trichomoniasis (relative rate 0.83; 95% confidence interval 0.61 to 1.12) and bacterial vaginosis (relative rate 0.86; 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.12) as compared with placebo users. The rate of candidiasis was nearly identical for spermicide and placebo users (relative rate 1.02; 95% confidence interval 0.77 to 1.35). The number of sexual partners during the preceding month was related directly to the occurrence of trichomoniasis (p = 0.047) and bacterial vaginosis (p = 0.009) but not candidiasis (p = 0.99). Subjects using oral contraceptives experienced a statistically significant lower rate of trichomoniasis than did women using an intrauterine contraceptive device or who had had a tubal ligation (relative rate 0.56; 95% confidence interval 0.39 to 0.81).

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alabama / epidemiology
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / prevention & control*
  • Contraception / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gardnerella vaginalis
  • Haemophilus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Nonoxynol
  • Polyethylene Glycols / pharmacology*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Partners
  • Spermatocidal Agents* / pharmacology
  • Trichomonas Vaginitis / prevention & control*
  • Vaginitis / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Spermatocidal Agents
  • Nonoxynol
  • Polyethylene Glycols