CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AND THE RISK OF CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS INFECTIONIN YOUNG-WOMEN

To evaluate the relation between contraceptive methods and cervical Ch lamydia trachomatis infection, the authors studied a population-based sample of 1,779 nonpregnant women aged 15-34 years who underwent cell culture diagnostic testing for the detection of C. trachomatis at a he alth maintenance organization. Barrier contraceptive method users were classified as those who reported using one of the following methods a t time of testing: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicidal sponge , foam, or vaginal spermicidal suppositories. Barrier methods were ass ociated with a reduction in the risk of chlamydial infection in women aged 25 years or older when compared with all other women in the same age category (adjusted prevalence odds ratio = 0.15, 95% confidence in terval (Cl) 0.04-0.66). When compared with only noncontracepting women , the adjusted prevalence odds ratio was 0.34 (95% Cl 0.06-1.99). The protective effect of barrier methods was not evident in women younger than age 25 years. Oral contraceptive use was not associated with the risk of C. trachomatis infection using either referent group; the adju sted prevalence odds ratio was 0.99 (95% Cl 0.57-1.73) compared with a ll other women, and 0.88 (95% Cl 0.44-1.79) compared with noncontracep ting women. These findings suggest that present patterns of use of bar rier methods differ by age and afford only selective protection agains t cervical C. trachomatis infections.