title: Implications of inflammatory changes on cervical cytology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess premenopausal women with inflammatory changes on cervical cytology for genital infections and cervical abnormalities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study of women attending general practice and family planning clinics who had a recent cervical cytology result with inflammatory changes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Department of genitourinary medicine.
  
  
  METHODS
  102 Premenopausal women with recent cytology result showing inflammatory changes and with no history of antibiotic or antifungal treatment since their smear.
  
  
  METHODS
  Genital examination and microbiological screening for genital infections; colposcopic examination about six weeks later.
  
  
  METHODS
  Detection of genital infections, particularly those sexually acquired, and abnormalities on colposcopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Genital infections were isolated in 77 patients, and one or more sexually acquired infections were found in 22. Prevalence of sexually acquired infections was significantly correlated with younger age (particularly being under 25), being single, separated, or divorced; using non-barrier contraception; and recent change of sexual partner. An abnormality on colposcopy was found in 36 women. There was a strong correlation of a sexually acquired infection with an abnormality at colposcopy; hence younger women were more likely to have a colposcopic abnormality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Inflammatory changes on cytology are often associated with the presence of a sexually acquired infection and premalignant disease of the cervix, particularly in younger, single women using non-barrier contraception.
authors.affiliation: Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Kinghorn
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Hicks
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D003127:Colposcopy; D003267:Contraception; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology; D008393:Marriage; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears