Influence of oral contraceptives on the presence and persistence of Candida albicans and beta-haemolytic streptococci in the vagina.

Samples of vaginal secretions of ;normal' women were examined over a period of up to two years. Patients with asymptomatic candidiasis on one occasion were more likely to have Candida albicans again when sampled a year later than were women with no yeasts on the first occasion. This principle applied also to beta-haemolytic streptococci of Lancefield's groups B and D. There was no significant difference in the incidence of C. albicans in the first and the final samples collected. The persistence and new infection rates were not significantly higher in patients taking combined oral contraceptives than in other women although the highest incidence occurred in those taking a lynoestrenol/mestranol preparation. There was a significant association of C. albicans with beta-haemolytic streptococci groups B and D. The implication of these findings is discussed.