Aetiology & Risk Factors of Recurrent Vaginitis & Its Association with Various Contraceptive Methods (Report‪)‬

Recurrent vaginitis is defined as three and more episode of vaginitis per annum (1). Common causes of recurrent vaginitis are infectious and non infectious which include hormonal and allergic. Along with infective organism common factors responsible for recurrent vaginitis are unhygienic practices, improper care during menstruation, multiple sexual partners and contraceptive trends. Commonly observed vaginal infections are bacterial vaginosis (BV), Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis. These should be treated properly to reduce the risk of acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (2). The annual incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in India is estimated as 5 per cent or approximately 40 million new infections occur every year (3,4). Prevalence of vaginal discharge in India is 30 per cent and in Delhi it is 29.9 per cent (5). Barrier method of contraception, usually male condom, acts as a preventive measure in sexually transmitted diseases and as well contraception (6). In general, the contraception is used to prevent pregnancy and for spacing the child. Tubal sterilization is the most common method of contraception in India (7). In India, no study has correlated type of contraception and type of vaginitis. In recurrent vaginitis knowing contraceptive method is important in prevention of recurrence. Prevention is always better than repeated treatments, hence this study is important. This prospective cohort study was undertaken to assess aetiology of vaginitis, its association with various contraceptives methods and need of barrier contraceptive to prevent recurrent vaginitis. Material & Methods