Comparison of genital microbial isolates between intrauterine contraceptive device users and nonusers in Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: In the past, the use of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), in particular, Dalkon Shield was found to be associated with increased risk of pelvic infection. Recent literature illustrates that the risk of pelvic infection after insertion of an IUCD is low and that the risk peaks in the 1 st month after insertion. We set out to determine the incidence of genital infection among IUCD users after the 1 st and 3 rd months of insertion compared to users of other contraceptive methods; to determine the risk of genital infections among IUCD users compared to users of other contraceptive methods and to determine the organisms associated with genital infection among the contraceptive users. Materials and Methods: This was a cohort study involving new clients who chose various forms of contraceptives. Results: The incidence of genital infection was 3 (8.5%) at 1 month and 4 (12.1%) at 3 months. The incidence in non‑IUCD contraceptive users was 2 (5.9%) at 1 month and 3 (8.8%) at 3 months. The relative risk was 1.44 and 1.5 at 1 and 3 months, respectively. The observed difference in the rate of infection between IUCD users and other contraceptive users was not statistically significant. Bacteria vaginosis and Trichomonas vaginalis were commonly observed in the two groups. Conclusion: The incidence of genital infection among IUCD users was relatively low compared to non‑IUCD users. IUCD s do not significantly increase the of rate genital infection. Keywords: Contraceptives; genital; infection; intrauterine contraceptive device; Nigeria