Abstract
Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the effects of Lea's Shield® plus nonoxynol-9 spermicide on signs and symptoms of female genital irritation and cervical and vaginal microflora during 8 weeks of use with intercourse and to analyze problems associated with the use of the device. Methods: In this open-label, single-arm study, participants were evaluated by pelvic examination, colposcopy and vaginal and cervical cultures. Results: About 13% of women (4/30) reported symptoms of irritation, and minor product-related colposcopic findings were seen in about one third (11/30). Although average colony counts for enterococcus, Escherichia coli and anaerobic gram-negative rods increased during product use, no clinical diagnoses of infection were made. Most users reported at least one problem using Lea's Shield. Conclusion: Lea's Shield, when used for 8 weeks during intercourse, is associated with evidence of genital irritation in a minority of users and with changes in vaginal microflora that do not appear to correlate with clinical infections.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 53-59 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Contraception |
Volume | 72 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Barrier
- Colposcopy
- Contraception
- Device
- Diaphragm
- Lea's Shield®
- Vagina
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology