The endometrial bacterial flora following insertion of intrauterine contraceptive device.

Abstract

Bacteriological cultures of material were collected from the endometrium and cervix of 150 women using the IUD, 75 control women and transfundally from 20 uteri of women who had undergone abdominal hysterectomy. The results show that the IUD does not alter the endometrial flora unless it is left in situ for a period exceeding two years. The transfundal cultures yielded the lowest positive cultures. The relationship of positive culture to the cycle and the period of insertion of IUD is discussed.