Candidial vaginitis associated with the use of oral progestational agents

Abstract

A clinical study was undertaken to assess the association between the use of oral progestational agents and the incidence of candidial vaginitis. 96 unselected females, all in their reproductive years, who presented with symptoms of vaginitis at the Gynecology Clinic of the University of Florida Teaching Hospital were used in the study. 24 of the women had used oral progestational agents; the remaining 72 had not. Vaginal microbiological evaluation was carried out on all the women. 22 of the 24 women who had used oral progestagens showed heavy manifestations of Candida albicans. All of these women also showed Lactobacillus species and 50% showed Trichomonas vaginalis as well. Only 16.6% of the other group of women showed Candida albicans. Percentages of women in the nonusage group also exhibiting the other 2 pathogenic organisms were also markedly lower. So far, the literature has not noted a high incidence of monilial vaginitis associated with oral progestational use. Results of this study highlight the need for further research.