The Evaluation of Genital Infections and Genital Hygiene Practices of Women Who Applied to Gynecology Policlinic

Aim: This study was carried out to determining the prevalence of genital infections and the genital hygiene practices of women who applied to gynecology policlinic of Uzunköprü Obstetrics and Gynecology and Child Diseases Hospital.

Method: It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. 402 women who applied to gynecology policlinic for any reason and accept to participate to study were comprised.

Results: The prevalence of genital infections was determined as 37.1 %. The women have mentioned that 85.5 %have used cotton underwear, 58.9 %have changed their underwear daily. 50 %of them mentioned that they have washed their hands after visiting restrooms and 51.7 %of them have cleaned genital area by inappropriate methods. Nearly all of the women said they have made vaginal douching after sexual intercourse.

Conclusion: Genital infections were diagnosed more frequent in married women, women who have not changed their underwear frequently, who have cleaned genital area with water and towels, who have cleaned genital area by inappropriate methods and who have made vaginal douching after sexual intercourse. As a result it is concluded that most of the women have inappropriate genital hygiene practices and need an educational support in this topic.