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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the main cause of vaginitis. The condition is characterised by an abundant and odorous vaginal loss, but more than half the patients with demonstrable signs of BV do not report symptoms at all. Gardnerella vaginalis (Gv) is often associated with BV, but it is not the sole factor responsible, as is shown by the fact that it can be isolated in the vagina of women withBV. In 1992 and 1993, 2630 patients, 1460 of them gynaecological and 1170 obstetric, were admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic of Parma University. Amsel criteria were adopted for diagnosing BV. Cases of BV were treated with 5 mg/die 2% clindamycin vaginal cream for 7 days. In the event of recurrences, 250 mg tablets of metronidazol were added: 8 tablets in 4 administrations in a single day, treatment also being extended to the partner. Patients admitted in 1993 received a protocol of hygienic and behavioural standards, stress being laid on prophylaxisa measures even after the end of therapy. BV proved to be present in 12.3% of cases, of whom only half were symptomatic. The situation was practically stationary if the 2 years are considered separately. Recurrences of symptomatic bacterial vaginosis were 15% in the absence of protocol application and 8.3% after the protocol. Recurrences were less frequent in the asymptomatic forms. Compared to the total number od cases of BV, recurrences were significantly low (12.1% p < 0.001).

Bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and candidiasis are the most common genital infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the various methods of contraception with regard to the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and vulvo-vaginitis over a period of four years. We also evaluated in the same period the rates of trichomoniasis, candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and vulvo-vaginitis between users and non users of contraceptional methods and the relationship between ages of patients and types of contraceptives. Finally we considered the change of contraceptive use with regard to age among two different periods. The IUD users showed a significant increase of B.V., T.v. and other bacteria and a decrease of the negatives compared to OC users. Barrier contraceptive users had a reduction (0.01 > p > 0.001) of B.V. and an increase (p < 0.001) of the negatives compared to IUD users. OC users had a significant (p < 0.05) increase in candidiasis, B.V. together with a reduction of the negatives compared to non users group. IUD users had a significant (p < 0.001) increase of B.V. and vulvo-vaginitis from other bacteria, and the reduction of the negatives. Teenagers use OC much more than adults, but less IUD (p < 0.001). The use of OC has increased and the use of IUD decreased among adults (p < 0.001). The barrier methods were seen to be statistically reduced.