Copper IUD does not increase incidence of vaginal and pelvic infection; internal vaginal douching does: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: We compared the rate, type, and severity of vulvovaginitis in women who are practicing internal vaginal douching (IVD) or not while using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). A cross-sectional study on 604 consecutive attendees of the outpatient clinics using IUCD for at least 6 months prior to recruitment. Eligible participants were divided into two groups. Group I (302 women) performing IVD and group II (302 women) not practicing this habit (NIVD). The frequency of vaginal infections in IUCD users who perform IVD compared to women who were abstaining from this habit was our primary outcome. Results: IUCD users who were practicing IVD more frequent history of vaginal infection (VI) compared with NIVD-IUCD users {260 (88.1%) versus 151(43.4%); respectively} (P<0.001). Current diagnosis of VI was significantly higher in IVD group (275; 91.05%) compared to NIVD group (115; 38.1%) (P<0.001). Bacterial vaginosis was the most common infection (287; 47.5%) followed by candida vulvovaginitis (278; 46.03%). Moreover, both types of infections were significantly more common in IVD. Conclusion: IUCD does not increase the rate of VI; but IVD does either with or without IUCD. When VI encountered with IUCD, bacterial vaginosis is the most common type followed by candida infection.