In addition to contraception and protection against various sexually transmitted diseases, condoms can also have a health benefit on a woman’s reproductive system. A new Chinese study found that women who had sex using a condom had increased levels of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus in the vaginal area, compared to other contraceptives. Increased levels of Lactobacillus prevent yeast, itching and other vaginal ailments and infections. 164 healthy, married women aged between 18 – 45 took part in the study. 72 of the volunteers used condoms as contraception, 57 – a vaginal spiral, and 35 avoided sexual contact during the period of ovulation, the so-called “rhythm method” of contraception. The scientists took samples from each of the volunteers to determine the levels of Lactobacillus. Bacteria are natural flora from the vagina of women. They produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which help maintain the pH of the vagina at 4.5. NEWS_MORE_BOX Maintaining a normal pH is important to prevent various inflammations and infections in the area. Sexual contact, especially semen, can disturb the pH of the vagina and it can change from 4.5 to 7-8. The condom prevents such changes and protects the Lactobacillus population. The results and data from the study are published in the journal PLoS One. Beneficial bacteria also reduce the risk of HIV infection, according to previous studies.