How Contraceptives Influence Vaginal Health in Jammu

Scientists in Jammu, India, recently looked into how different contraceptive methods affect the microbes living in the vagina and the risk of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) in married women. They studied 796 women of reproductive age, asking about their contraceptive choices and history of RTIs. The team found that over half (53. 1%) used some form of contraception, and nearly half (44. 7%) had experienced an RTI. Their study showed that socioeconomic factors like age, where they lived, their education, religion, and caste influenced which contraceptive method they chose.Interestingly, using condoms and hormonal birth control pills lowered the risk of RTIs by nearly twice as much as not using any form of contraceptive. But, methods like IUDs and tubal ligation, as well as having unprotected sex, raised the risk, making women more vulnerable to infections. They concluded that condoms and hormonal pills are safer options for contraception.