The Relation of Recent Tampon Use, Douching, Coitus, and Vaginal Medications for Reported Cervical Cytology Results
Abstract
Health care references recommend avoiding tampons, douching, coitus, and vaginal medications prior to cervical cytology screening yet little research supports these recommendations. A descriptive correlational design was used to investigate tampon use patterns among women of childbearing age and to determine the relationship of recent tampon use, douching, coitus, and vaginal medications to cervical cytology results. One hundred and one women attending two north central Florida county health units were recruited. Women who use tampons exclusively had a higher incidence of abnormalities in their cervical cytology results than women who use pads exclusively. African-Americans were more likely to use higher absorbancy and deodorant tampons, to douche, and they also had a higher incidence of gynecological infections. Of the health behaviors, coitus occurred most commonly prior to cytology screening. No significant relationship was found between recent tampon use, douching, coitus, and vaginal medication use and cervical cytology results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA267894
Entities
People
- Maryann Kulpa
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology