Site-specific prevalence and cell densities of selected microbes in the lower reproductive tract of menstruating tampon users.

Objective: To assess differences in prevalence and cell densities of enterococci, Gram negative enterics (GNEs), yeast and Staphylococcus aureus among four genital sites and to examine whether the presence of organisms at one site affected the presence of organisms at other sites.

Methods: Swab samples from the perineum, below and above the hymen, and the posterior fornix obtained from 52 tampon users on menstrual cycle day 3 were analyzed for site-specific prevalence and cell densities of microorganisms.

Results: Enterococci and GNEs were the most prevalent study organisms at all sites and decreased in prevalence from the perineum to the posterior fornix.