Intravaginal Practices, HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among South African Women

In Brief Background and Objectives Intravaginal practices, including wiping, douching, or inserting substances into the vagina, have been hypothesized to increase women’s risk of HIV infection. However, data on the prevalence of these practices, and associations with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD), are limited. Study Design We interviewed 2897 women participating in a gynecologic screening study in Cape Town, South Africa, about their intravaginal practices. After clinical examination, cervical and blood samples were collected and tested for HIV and other STD. Results Of the 831 (29%) women reporting some type of intravaginal practice, 48% reported using only water and cloth to clean inside the vagina, whereas 17% reported using antiseptics or detergents. Most women (53%) reported practices as part of regular hygiene. Intravaginal practices were strongly associated with behavioral risk factors, including recent sexual activity, more lifetime sexual partners, and recent multiple sexual partners. Intravaginal practices were associated with prevalent HIV infection (adjusted odds ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–2.20), but were not associated with other STDs. Conclusion Prospective studies that include detailed measurements of correlated sexual risk behaviors are required to discern whether this association is causal in nature; if so, these behaviors could represent an important area for future HIV prevention interventions. In a cross-sectional study in Cape Town, South Africa, 29% of women interviewed reported some type of intravaginal practice, primarily wiping inside the vagina with water and/or cloth. These practices were associated with prevalent HIV infection but not with other sexually transmitted diseases.