Cytological Assessment of Vaginal Epithelial Cells in Undergraduate Females of Reproductive Age in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria

This study assessed the vaginal epithelial cells and its relationship with the reproductive hormones as a determinant for fertility. 100 students participated in this cross-sectional study. The established approach to the evaluation of ovarian function and endocrine disorders in the woman is based on serial biochemical analyses of hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormones and their metabolites. This study analyzed the ratio of parabasal, intermediate and superficial cells in comparison with the presenting hormones. The biochemical analyses can be effectively supplemented by the old-fashioned endometrial biopsies, or studies of endocervical mucus. In addition, the vaginal smear may sometimes provide useful information and has the advantage of being easy to obtain, rapidly evaluated, and inexpensive. Cytology is the study of cells collected by various means through microscopic examination. In the case of humans, the cytologic approach is particularly valuable if laboratories specializing in endocrine analysis are not readily available. The principle of the cytologic hormonal analysis is simple. The degree of maturation of the squamous epithelium of the female genital tract depends on steroid hormones, mainly estrogen. Various factors contribute to the fertility status of a woman. In the case of this study, age, abortion and use of contraceptives are the significant contributing factors (p <0.05, t >1.96).