Vaginal PH as a marker for vaginitis and menopausal status

Abstract EN

Vaginal PH was determined by universal indicator PH paper in 182 patients seen in Al-Zahara`a Hospital in Najaf city for routine speculum examination.

None of the patients were pregnant.

Measurements were made of serum levels of follicle–stimulating hormone and estradiol for 81 menopausal patients and vaginal culture were taken for all 182 patients.

Vaginal PH was correlated with vaginal cultures and serum follicle–stimulating hormone and estradiol levels by use of statistical analysis.

Vaginal PH was elevated in all premenopausal patients with documented bacterial pathogens.

Serum estradiol levels showed an inverse and serum follicle–stimulating hormone levels a direct statistical correlation with vaginal PH in postmenopausal patients.

Aim of the study : The study had two objectives : (1) to confirm the elevations of vaginal PH in patients with bacterial pathogens in premenopausal women and (2) to examine the relationship of serum FSH and estradiol levels to vaginal PH in postmenopause patients without bacterial pathogens.