Open AccessFactors influencing vaginal cytology, pH and bacterial flora in elderly women
Author(s) -
Milsom Ian,
Arvidsson Leif,
Ekelund Peter,
Molander Ulla,
Eriksson Olle
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349309068039
Subject(s) - medicine , vaginal cytology , cytology , flora (microbiology) , vaginal flora , gynecology , vaginal infections , obstetrics , bacterial vaginosis , bacteria , pathology , estrous cycle , biology , genetics
Objective . To evaluate factors influencing the vaginal micro‐environment in elderly women. Study design . Vaginal pH, cytology (Karyopyknotic index, KPI) and bacterial cultures were assessed in 350 women (age 72.2 ± 1.4 years, range 65–84 years) who were not taking estrogens. Results . Vaginal pH was 6.5 ± 0.1, KPI was 3.0 ± 0.9% and bacteria of fecal type dominated. However, in some women the vaginal micro‐environment resembled that of fertile women, with a predominance of laclobacilli ( n = 68), low pH ( n = 41) and an increased maturation index ( n = 57). KPI was higher ( p > 0.001) in women weighing ≥ 85 kg, or with a body mass ≥ 9th decentile or with a diastolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mmHg and in women ( p > 0.05) with a high menopausal age (≥ 53 years). Vaginal pH was lower ( p > 0.001), KPI was higher ( p > 0.01) and there was an increased ( p >0.05) presence of lactobacilli in smokers compared to non‐smokers. Conclusions . The latter finding is somewhat paradoxical as cigarette smoking has previously been shown to negatively influence estrogen metabolism. The influence of cigarette smoking on the vaginal micro‐environment may be a direct local effect of nicotine.