Female Reproductive Tract Infections Among Vaginal Contraceptive Users in Benin City, Nigeria

Female vaginal contraceptives are associated with increased susceptibility to infections. The prevalence of female reproductive tract infections (RTI) among contraceptive users was determined. A total of 187 female participants including 156 contraceptive users and 31 age-matched noncontraceptive users with signs and symptoms of RTIs were recruited for this study. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic information. High vaginal swabs were collected from each participant and processed using standard technique. Female contraceptive users (40.4%) had an increased risk for developing RTIs compared to noncontraceptive users (19.35%) (OR = 2.833, 95 CI = 1.095, 7.276; p= 0.044). Intrauterine device (IUD) users (53.07%; p= 0.032), users of contraceptives for less than 1 year (60.00%; p= 0.003) and age group of 26-30 years (68.18%; p= 0.0001) had significantly higher prevalence of RTIs among contraceptive users. Candida albicans was the most prevalent etiologic agent of RTIs among contraceptive users irrespective of types of contraceptives, bacteria vaginosis caused by other bacterial isolates was the most common RTIs among noncontraceptive users. In this situation, Klebsiella species was found only among IUD users. The study reveals an overall prevalence of 36.90% of female RTIs. Contraceptive users had 1-7 fold increase in developing RTIs. Vaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis were the most common female RTIs observed among contraceptives and noncontraceptive users. Some valuable measures to reduce infections associated with contraceptive use are advocated.