In the British prospective studies, urinary tract infections were increased by 20% in users of oral contraception, and a correlation was noted with estrogen dose. An increased incidence of cervicitis was also reported, an effect related to the progestin dose. The incidence of cervicitis increased with the length of time the pill was used, from no higher after 6 months to 3 times higher by the 6th year of use. A significant increase in a variety of viral diseases, e.g. chickenpox, was observed, suggesting steroid effects on the immune system. The prevalence of these effects with little dose oral contraception is yet unknown.
Oral contraception is not linked to bacterial vaginosis and appears to protect against infections with Trichomonas.^04 Evidence is lacking to convincingly implicate oral contraception with vaginal infections with Candida species. However, clinical experience is sometimes impressive when recurrence and cure repeated follittle use and discontinuation of oral contraception.