Habits of Genital Hygiene and Sexual Activity among Women with Bacterial Vaginosis and/or Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Marcela Grigol Bardin, Paulo César Giraldo, Cristina Laguna Benetti‐Pinto, José Marcos Sanches, Camila Carvalho de Araújo, Rose Luce Gomes do Amaral
Abstract
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.