Factors associated with actinomyces-like organisms on Papanicolaou smear in users of intrauterine contraceptive devices.

To determine the factors associated with the presence of actinomyces-like organisms on cervicovaginal Papanicolaou smears in users of the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD), we carried out a case-control study. Among about 80,000 Papanicolaou smears examined in one year in a large cytology laboratory, actinomyces-like organisms were identified on 107 smears; all but three smears were from IUD users. Compared with IUD users who did not have actinomyces-like organisms on Papanicolaou smears, those with actinomyces-like organisms had used the IUD for more years. An increased risk of actinomyces-like organisms on Papanicolaou smear was not apparent until 7 years of IUD use, however. No significant association of actinomyces-like organisms with the type of IUD was found after controlling for differences in duration of use between users of various IUDs. The percentage of women reporting gynecologic symptoms (vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding) also did not differ significantly between IUD users with and without actinomyces-like organisms on Papanicolaou smear (p = 0.5).