IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-9-8-26584 Original Research Paper Morphological study of vaginal flora in infertile women and correlation with pap smear P. Vijaya Laxmi Dr. Dr. S. Rajyalakshmi Dr. August 2020 9 8 01 02 ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Infertility is estimated to affect approximately 9.3% of reproductive age group couples. Several conditions involving one or both partners may contribute to infertility .Furthermore The prevalence of lower genital tract infections such as bacterial vaginosis is higher in women with infertility. Bacterial vaginosis is a conditions in which the normal vaginal lactobacilli flora iare replaced by an overgrowth of the microorganisms incuding Gardenella vaginalis, anaerobic rods, Peptostreptococcus species and various mycoplasma species. However researches have not yet determined whether bacterial vaginosis is a cause of female infertility or is simply associated with it. AIM: The aim of our study is to evaluate the role of asmptomatic genital tract infections including bacterial vaginosis in the outcome of infertility, both primary and secondary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of a total of 106 asymptomatic women in the reproductive age group of 23 to 35 years attending Gynaecology out patient department with infertility, primary or secondary at Governament Maternity hospital, Koti, Hyderabad ( tertiary referral hospital in Telangana state),is done during a period of six months from April 2018 to September 2018. These patients are screened for colonization of bacterial and other organisms by collecting vaginal pap smear and high vaginal and cervical swab simultaneously for culture and antibiotic sensitivity. Pap smears are studied microscopically and results of culture and antibiotic sensitivity noted. OBSERVATIONS/RESULTS: Out of 106 women studied during the six months period, 96 cases are of primary infertility and 17 cases cases are of secondary infertility. Out of 106 cases, on pap cytology, 60 cases showed features of bacterial vaginosis,26 cases are reported as inflammatory smears and 20 cases are reported as normal study. On culture, 60 cases of bacterial vaginosis showed growth of facultative anaerobes, and in 15 cases of inflammatory smears, Candida species is isolated. Remaining 31 cases showed no growth on culture. CONCLUSION: There appears to be an association between infertility and bacterial vaginosis. Appropriate antibiotic treatment given to these patients, maintaining the balance of the vaginal flora, could give brilliant results in a simple way.