The effects of vaginal douching on pap smear

Objective (Aim): The aim of this study was to compare the Pap smears of women who do regular vaginal douching before and after leaving this attitude.Materials and Methods: One hundered and five patients who were admitted to Gynaecology Polyclinic of Adnan Menderes University Hospital and doing vaginal douching were included in to the study between the July 2010 and January 2011. Pap smear was taken from every patient. It was offered to patients to leave the vaginal douching and again Pap smears of patients were taken after one month. The results of Pap smears which were before and after vaginal douching were compared.Results: When the Pap smears of patients during vaginal douching and after the leaving of vaginal douching were compared, it was seen that the percentage of normal smear results was 33.3% (35 cases) during vaginal douching and it increased to 54.2% (57 cases) after vaginal douching left. The severe inflamation reduced from 11.4% (12 cases) to 1.9% (2 cases) and the total percentage of patients who have infection decreased from 48.5% (51 cases) to %31.4 (33 cases). These changes were statisticaly significant when compared the results (p<0.05).Conclusions: In this study it was seen that, the infection was reduced on Pap smears of women after vaginal douching was left. We think that, vaginal douching increses the servicovaginal enfection rate beyond its many gynecological and obstetrical harmfull effects. We belive that, to reduce the number of women who doing vaginal douching by telling to them the disadvantages of vaginal douching will provide positive effects on women health.Key words:Servicovaginal infection, Pap smear, vaginal douching