Evaluation of nonneoplastic findings on vaginal smears with comparison of intrauterine devices and oral contraceptive pill effects

Authors: RAHİME BEDİR FINDIK, SERVET GÜREŞCİ, AYŞE NURCAN ÜNLÜER, JALE KARAKAYA

Abstract: Although the Pap smear is a common screening test for cervical cancer and its precursors, it can detect some benign conditions as well. In this study, the aim was to evaluate smear results with regard to nonneoplastic findings and to compare them to the detectable effects of intrauterine devices (IUDs) and oral contraceptive pills (OPs). Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, the hospital records and cytopathology reports of 4248 patients were recorded. Smear results were evaluated according to the 2001 Bethesda System and were evaluated according to age groups, menopausal/menstrual status, physical examination findings, and contraceptive method usage. Results: Of the 4248 patients, 75% were menstruating and 25% were menopausal. The most common smear result was nonspecific inflammation (NSI). In comparing the IUD (n = 730) and OP (n = 322) groups, we found Candida species, Actinomyces, and bacterial vaginosis to be significantly higher in the IUD-using group, while NSI, discharge, and erosion were found to be significantly higher in the OP group. Conclusion: Pap smears can provide information about infectious diseases that can occur in the cervicovaginal region. These results reflect the fact that the IUDs disrupt vaginal flora more than OPs do.

Keywords: Smear, oral contraceptive pill, intrauterine device, erosion, discharge

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