HPV infection and vaginal microecological disorders in women with intrauterine adhesion: cross-sectional study in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vaginal microecology and the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes in patients with uterine adhesions and explore the correlation between HPV infection and vaginal microecology imbalance and the occurrence of intrauterine adhesion (IUA). METHODS: A total of 479 women were enrolled in the study, including 259 in the normal group and 220 in the IUA group. Vaginal microecological and HPV analyses were performed on all participants. Significant differences between the two groups were analyzed, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: The incidence of IUA in patients between 31 and 40 years of age was high. The I-II degree of vaginal cleanliness in the IUA group was significantly lower than that in the normal group, and the number of III-IV degree was significantly higher than that in the normal group. Moreover, the incidences of VVC (vulvovaginal candidiasis) and vaginal disorders and infections with HPV 16 and HPV 52 subtypes were significantly higher in the IUA group than in the normal group. The incidence of high-risk HPV infection combined with vaginal disorders in the IUA group was higher than that in the normal group. Correlation analysis showed that the occurrence of IUAs was positively correlated with HPV infection and negatively correlated with PH and vaginal microecological imbalance. CONCLUSION: The HPV infection rate and vaginal microecology disorders affect the occurrence of IUAs. For patients with IUAs, control of the HPV infection rate and the prevention of vaginal microecological disorders should be improved.