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Qualitative and Quantitative Changes of the Vaginal Microbial Flora During the Menstrual Cycle
Author(s) -
JOHNSON S.R.,
PETZOLD C.R.,
GALASK R.P.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology and microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 8755-8920
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1985.tb00331.x
Subject(s) - menstrual cycle , flora (microbiology) , etiology , menstruation , physiology , vaginal flora , biology , bacteria , gynecology , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , hormone , endocrinology , bacterial vaginosis , genetics
Knowledge of the normal vaginal microbial flora is essential in understanding the etiology of female genital tract infections. This study was done to investigate both qualitative and quantitative differences that occur during the menstrual cycle. We studied 34 reproductive age women Iongitudinally. Quantitative cultures were obtained during menses and following the cessation of menses. A greater variety of organisms were found during menstruation. The effect was not selective with respect to aerobes or anaerobes. The total number of bacteria between the two culture periods did not change significantly.