Actinomyces-like structures and their association with intrauterine contraceptive devices, pelvic infection and abnormal cervical cytology.

A total of 1919 cervical cytology smears from South Galmorgan family planning clinic patients were studied and actinomyces-like structures were identified in 38. All 38 were from women reported as having an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and they represent 25 per cent of the 147 women in the whole study who were reported as having an IUCD. There was no evidence of pelvic infection or significant increase in gynaecological problems amongst these 38 women, but there was a significant increase in atypical and dyskaryotic cells in the cervical smears.