The effect of hormonal contraception on the adequacy of colposcopic examination of the cervix.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to determine whether the use of hormonal contraception affects the adequacy of colposcopic examination of the cervix.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of patients seen in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Colposcopy Clinic from 2000-2002. Patient age, use of hormonal contraception, and adequacy of colposcopic examination were recorded for analysis.


RESULTS
Of all the colposcopic records reviewed, 526 of 1156 met inclusion criteria. Study patients ranged in age from 14 to 51 years. The prevalence of the visible squamocolumnar junction ranged from 75% to 91%. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that both age and use of hormonal contraception significantly influence adequacy of colposcopic examination (P < .001, P = .001, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of combination oral contraceptives is associated with an increased likelihood of adequate colposcopy.
Milam
Michael R
MR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn 37232-2521, USA. Michael.r.milam@vanderbilt.edu
Pollock
Jason W
JW
Nick
Alpa M
AM
Scott
Theresa
T
Jones
Howard W
HW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000592:standards*; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate