The association of Candida infection with intrauterine contraceptive device.

In order to analyse the relationship between intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) usage and Candida infection, we planned to examine cytologically the cervico-vaginal smears of 600 patients stained with Papanicolou method. Among 56 IUCD users 8 women had Candida infection (14%) while 44 of 544 non-users (8%) were infected by this fungus. Our detailed analyses indicated that the prolonged usage of Cu-IUCD may predispose the cervico-vaginal flora for Candida especially for the infectious "hyphae" form although statistically the correlation between IUCD usage and candidiasis was not significant (p>0.05). These findings imply the importance of controlled IUCD usage against Candida infection and its removal for treatment if necessary. Because retained IUCD may cause serious clinical complications especially in pregnant women such as "fetal candidiasis" which may lead to miscarriage, premature labor or ectopic pregnancy. For these reasons, the possibility of candidiasis should be considered in patients wearing IUCD for a long period.