Objective:

To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) in non-pregnant women.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study, in 329 non-pregnant and asymptomatic women (18 to 39 years old), who attended the taking of the vaginal cytology (Papanicolau test), in a highly complex clinic in Armenia, Colombia; between February 2017 and January 2023. The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was made according to the Amsel criteria and the Nugent score. The risk factors were evaluated by comparing the groups using the Odds Ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results:

The average age of the women was 28,75 ± 4,61 years. The global prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 36,17%; more frequent in women aged 25 to 29 years (56,94 %). The risk factors with statistical significance were intimate hair removal (OR: 5,17; 95% CI: 2,36-10,04; p = 0,006), having multiple sexual partners (OR: 4,09; 95% CI: 1,25-9,62; p = 0,024) and a new sexual partner (OR: 3,74; 95% CI: 1,57-4,68; p = 0,021). The use of condoms decreased the probability of bacterial vaginosis (OR: 0,53; 95% CI: 0,28-0,91; p = 0,018).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was present in more than 1/3 of the participants. Intimate hair removal appears as the main risk factor. Additional studies are needed to determine the true benefit or harm of certain cosmetic practices considered intimate hygiene, in order to reduce morbidity associated with the vaginal microbiota.