Oral contraceptive use and the risk of chlamydial and gonococcal infections

• Published in: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 160; no. 2; p. 396
• Main Authors: Louv, W C, Austin, H, Perlman, J, Alexander, W J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.02.1989
• Subjects: Adult; Cervix Uteri - drug effects; Cervix Uteri - pathology; Chlamydia Infections - epidemiology; Chlamydia Infections - etiology; Chlamydia trachomatis; Contraceptives, Oral - adverse effects; Female; Gonorrhea - epidemiology; Gonorrhea - etiology; Humans; Norethindrone - adverse effects; Norethindrone - analogs & derivatives; Norethindrone Acetate; Norgestrel - adverse effects; Uterine Cervical Diseases - epidemiology; Uterine Cervical Diseases - etiology; Comparative Studies; Gonorrhea > etiology; Age Factors; Contraceptive Agents; Bacterial And Fungal Diseases; Biology; Infections; Hormones; Research Methodology; Urogenital System; Contraceptive Agents > side effects; Chlamydia > etiology; Uterus; Norethindrone > side effects; Population Characteristics; Reproductive Tract Infections; Population; Genital Effects, Female; Physiology; Behavior; Demographic Factors; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Genitalia; Oral Contraceptives > side effects; Population At Risk; Reproductive Control Agents; Risk Factors; Uterine Effects; Contraception; Cervix; Contraceptive Methods > side effects; Family Planning; Endocrine System; Genitalia, Female; Diseases; Studies; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Contraceptive Agents, Progestin > side effects; Norgestrel > side effects; Cervical Effects; Sex Behavior; Urogenital Effects
• ISSN: 0002-9378
• DOI: 10.1016/0002-9378(89)90456-0

Oral contraceptive users were compared with nonusers with respect to the rate of cervical infections by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The comparison was adjusted for differences in demographic and behavioral characteristics between the two groups. The rates of infection among oral contraceptive users were increased by approximately 70% (statistically significant) for both pathogens. Cervical ectopy was implicated in the increased rate of chlamydia but not gonorrhea. Rates of gonorrheal infection differed significantly among oral contraceptive formulations; rates were higher for formulations containing more androgenic progestins.