Vaginal cytology in women using oral contraceptives
Katira, V.; Dayal, S.S.
Journal of the Anatomical Society of India 36(2): 94-100
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-2778 PMID: 12283369 Document Number: 371476
The present study is undertaken to assess the effect of a known synthetic steroid on vaginal epithelium as a diagnostic and prognostic tool. Biweekly vaginal smears from ten multiparous normally menstruating Indian females in the age group of 21-40 years were studied for three consecutive cycles, during which period they were put on Voldy's-21 an oral contraceptive containing both estrogen and progesterone. Seven cases out of these acted as control for themselves as their daily smears had been studied before starting the medication (Katira, Sharma and Sakuntala 1984). In general, smears in all the cases, were dirty with presence of large number of leucocytes and Doderlein bacilli. There is loss of cyclic pattern seen by midzonal maturation index, low karyopyknotic index and appearance of navicular cells with marked curling and folding of cells. The appearance of occasional cells having larger than 5 micron sized nucleus during the 2nd and 3rd cycles of medication may be suggestive of some significant effect as regards the prolonged use of this oral contraceptive is concerned.