Condom use was not limited to preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The use of condoms may increase the amount of good bacteria in the vagina.
Research in China suggests that women who are sexually active and use condoms have a colony of good bacteria in the vagina is more, compared with women who use other contraceptive methods.
In this study the researchers focused on lactobacilli, the type of bacteria that dominate the natural flora in the vagina most women. This microbe produces lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, so the level of acidity (pH) of the vagina is about 4.5. Equivalent to the level of acidity acidity of beer or tomato juice.
With the level of acidity can be inhibited growth of bad bacteria. Too many bad bacteria that can cause vaginal discharge, itching, and even infection.
The presence of lactobacilli will prevent vaginosis, an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina that causes excessive vaginal discharge and odor. Even the presence of good bacteria will also reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
In a study conducted at the Beijing Friendship Hospital, included 164 women who were married and aged 18-45 years. All respondents were those who did not use hormonal contraception such as the pill.
Approximately 72 respondents chose condoms, 57 people used an IUD (spiral), and 35 had a method of family planning "calendar" or absent sexual intercourse when she was fertile.
It turns out the number of lactobacilli in women who used condoms highest compared with other contraceptive group.
Sexual intercourse is known to disrupt the balance of the vaginal ecosystem, especially because seminal fluid (pH 7-8) mixed with vaginal fluid.
Will note the use of condoms to prevent the mixing so that the level of balance of bacteria in the vagina is maintained.
Even so, the researchers said that condoms are not the best contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy. Condom failure rate around 15 percent, while IUDs have a failure rate of 0.6-0.8 per cent in the first year and more and more effective.
