Microbial flora of the vagina and cervix

Abstract

The microbial flora of the vagina and cervix was assessed qualitatively and semiquantitatively in 40 women attending an intrauterine contraceptive device clinic. Both sites harboured many types of microorganism, the mean number of microbial types isolated being five from the vagina and four from the cervix. Typical lactobacilli were detected in 61% of vaginal and in 53% of cervical specimens; faecal bacteria, including anaerobes, were even more frequently found at both sites. No differences in the microbial populations at either the vagina or the cervix were detected after fitting of the devices, in the different weeks of the menstrual cycle, or with various previously used contraceptive methods.