Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among intrauterine device users in Thai women attending Family Planning Clinic, Siriraj Hospital.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of BV among IUD users attending at Family Planning Clinic, Siriraj Hospital In addition, associated risk factors for BV were also explored.

Materials And Method: This study was carried out from August through November 2003 at the Family Planning Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Siriraj Hospital. A total of 300 IUD users were enrolled Bacterial vaginosis is defined by fulfillment of at least three of four findings according to Amsel's criteria. Prevalence and risk factors were determined.

Results: The overall prevalence of bacterial vaginosis according to the Amsel's criteria was 20.3% (95% CI 15.7-24.9%). The most common complaints were abnormal vaginal discharge (41.0%) and pelvic pain (41.0%), whereas 32% had no symptoms. The only significant factor associated with BV was duration of IUD use. Women with BV were more likely to have used IUD for a longer period than women without BV especially more than 15 years. (19.7% and 9.2% respectively, P = 0.017).

Conclusions: Our findings showed rate of BV was prevalent among Thai women with IUD insertion. The only risk factor was long time duration of IUD insertion that health care providers should aware of the infection among these women. The influence of IUD use on the occurrence of vaginal flora changes and BV remained a controversial issue. Further study should be conducted to examine the issue in more detail, both among IUD users and other groups of women as well.