Bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis: sexual and contraceptive practices drive positivity and recurrent infections

BV and VVC rates and recurrence were high among attendees. Both infections were associated with risk factors that support sexual transmissibility of each, while only BV recurrence was associated with IUD use, supporting existing data that IUDs increase a woman's risk of acquisition and persistence of a suboptimal vaginal microbiota. These data highlight the importance of considering an individual's partners and contraceptive use when managing these infections.