Cytomorphological Changes in Oral Mucosa among Female Users of Oral Contraceptive Pills in Shendi, Sudan
Abstract:
Background: Oral contraceptives are widely used among women of reproductive age and may influence the cytomorphology of oral mucosal cells. However, limited data exist on their potential cytological effects. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the cytomorphological changes in buccal mucosa among Sudanese females using oral contraceptives in Shendi Town.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to February 2024, including 100 women (60 oral contraceptive users and 40 non-users as controls). Buccal smears were collected and stained using the Papanicolaou method. Cytological changes including nuclear atypia, inflammation, keratosis, micronuclei, and maturation index were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.
Results: The majority of users (83%) were taking combined estrogen-progestin pills, while 17% were using progestin-only pills. Most participants had been on contraceptives for 1–2 years. Cytological analysis revealed that keratosis was significantly more frequent in the study group compared to controls (p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between users and non-users in nuclear atypia (p = 0.743), inflammation (p = 0.743), infection (p = 0.368), or micronuclei formation (p = 0.583). The maturation index also showed no significant association with age, duration of use, menstrual cycle regularity, or contraceptive type.
Conclusion: Oral contraceptive use was associated with an increased occurrence of keratosis in buccal mucosa, while no significant cytomorphological changes were observed in nuclear atypia, inflammation, infection, or maturation index. Further large-scale and longitudinal studies are recommended to clarify the long-term effects of hormonal contraceptives on oral epithelial health.
