Habits of Genital Hygiene and Sexual Activity among Women with Bacterial Vaginosis and/or Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2022 Feb;44(2):169-177. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1741536. Epub 2022 Feb 25.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate genital hygiene among women with and without bacterial vaginosis (BV) and/or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

Methods: A cross-sectional study of reproductive-aged women who underwent gynecological and laboratory tests and fulfilled a genital hygiene questionnaire.

Results: This study evaluated 166 healthy controls and 141 women diagnosed with either BV (n = 72), VVC (n = 61), or both (n = 8). The use of intimate soap and moist wipes after urination was more frequent among healthy women (p = 0.042 and 0.032, respectively). Compared to controls, bactericidal soap was more used by women with BV (p = 0.05).

Conclusion: Some hygiene habits were associated to BV and/or VVC. Clinical trials should address this important issue in women's health.

Objetivo: Avaliar a higiene genital de mulheres com e sem vaginose bacteriana (VB) e/ou candidíase vulvovaginal (CVV). MéTODOS: Estudo transversal com mulheres em idade reprodutiva submetidas a exames ginecológicos e laboratoriais e preenchimento de questionário de higiene genital.

Resultados: Este estudo avaliou 166 controles saudáveis e 141 mulheres com diagnóstico de VB (n = 72), VVC (n = 61) ou ambas (n = 8). O uso de sabonete íntimo e lenços umedecidos após a micção foram hábitos mais frequentes entre mulheres saudáveis (p = 0,042 e 0,032, respectivamente). Em comparação com os controles, o sabonete bactericida foi mais usado por mulheres com VB (p = 0,05). CONCLUSãO: Alguns hábitos de higiene foram associados à VB e/ou VVC. Os ensaios clínicos devem abordar esta questão importante na saúde da mulher.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal* / diagnosis
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Habits
  • Humans
  • Hygiene
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Vagina / microbiology
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial* / diagnosis