E-Posters-Routine Vaginal Cultures in Women Wearing Pessaries

Routine Vaginal Cultures in Women Wearing Pessaries - E Grace Neustaedter, RN, MN, NCA

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This study conducted at the Pelvic Floor Clinic in Calgary, Canada aimed to determine factors associated with the development of erosions in women who use pessaries. Pessaries are commonly used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and have a success rate of over 80%. However, long-term use can lead to complications such as erosions and discharge.<br /><br />The study recruited 279 women who had been using pessaries for a median of 5.5 years. They were divided into three groups: the Erosion Group (n=126) with existing erosions, the Control Group (n=124) without erosions, and the Change Group (n=29) who developed erosions over the course of the year.<br /><br />The results showed that bacterial vaginosis (BV) was more common in pessary users compared to non-users, with a rate of 32% vs 10% respectively. However, there was no difference in yeast infection rates between the two groups. In terms of erosion assessment, different stages of erosions were classified based on their severity.<br /><br />The study found that women in the Control Group were more likely to have yeast infections compared to the Erosion and Change groups. Those with negative BV swabs were less likely to develop erosions. Additionally, the Control Group had lower rates of altered flora compared to the Erosion and Change groups. Neutrophil levels were higher in the Erosion and Change groups compared to the Control Group.<br /><br />It is important to note that this study has limitations, as not all women seen in the clinic were represented and the findings may not be applicable to all pessary wearers.<br /><br />In conclusion, this study suggests that the presence of yeast infections, positive BV swabs, altered flora, and higher neutrophil levels may be associated with the development of erosions in women who use pessaries. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and identify effective preventive measures. This study was funded by the Urology Nurses of Canada and was conducted with the assistance of the nursing staff at the Pelvic Floor Clinic.

Keywords

Pelvic Floor Clinic

Calgary

Canada

erosions

pessaries

pelvic organ prolapse

complications

bacterial vaginosis

yeast infections

altered flora