Sexually Transmitted Disease, Volume 26, Issue 4, Pages 191-196. April 1999.
National AIDS Program, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Sexually Transmitted Disease, Volume 26, Issue 4, Pages 191-196. April 1999.
National AIDS Program, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Douching, a common practice, could further increase the risk of genital infections.
GOAL OF THIS STUDY: To describe douching practices in pregnant women and to evaluate associations with lower genital tract infections.
RESULTS: Among 552 women included, douching before consultation was reported by 97% and was common practice for 98%. Intravaginal drying agents were used by 10%. Genital warts were less frequent for women who usually douched (p = 0.015). U. urealyticum infection was associated with douching and with the use of intravaginal agents. Diagnosis of genital infections was independent of douching with water or soap, but chlamydial infection was associated with douching with antiseptics, used by 14% of the women (p = 0.036). HIV infection was two times more frequent in women using antiseptics (p = 0.17).
CONCLUSION: The study confirms the widespread practice of douching in African pregnant women. The harmful effects of antiseptics need to be substantiated.
The Circumcision Information and Resource Pages are a not-for-profit educational resource and library. IntactiWiki hosts this website but is not responsible for the content of this site. CIRP makes documents available without charge, for informational purposes only. The contents of this site are not intended to replace the professional medical or legal advice of a licensed practitioner.
© CIRP.org 1996-2024 | Filetree | Please visit our sponsor and host: 
IntactiWiki.