Effects of Hormonal Contraception on Urinary Bacterial Profiles and UTI Susceptibility in Women at the Dschang Regional Annex Hospital, Cameroon

Background: Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are widely used for pregnancy prevention; however, their influence on urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urinary bacterial profiles remains unclear. This study assessed the association between HC use, UTI prevalence, and urinary bacterial distribution in women attending the Dschang Regional Annex Hospital in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 510 women (270 HC users and 240 non-users). Sociodemographic data, contraceptive use, and clinical history were collected using questionnaires. Urine samples were cultured to identify the bacterial isolates. Associations between HC use, UTI occurrence, type and duration of contraceptive use, and bacterial distribution were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Escherichia coli was the predominant isolate, particularly among HC users (29 vs. 11). Other Gram-negative bacteria were more frequent in HC users, whereas some gram-positive species varied between the groups. Bacterial distribution differed significantly according to HC use (χ2 = 16.32; p = 0.03), duration (χ2 = 64.17; p = 0.03), and type (χ2 = 54.83; p = 0.01). Overall, UTI prevalence was higher in HC users (29.62%) than in non-users (19.58%). Logistic regression indicated that HC use increased UTI risk (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.15–2.60; p = 0.008), with injection and pill users and short-term users (3–11 months) at the highest risk. Conclusion: HC use, particularly specific types and short-term use, is associated with increased UTI susceptibility and distinct urinary bacterial profiles in women. These findings highlight the importance of clinical monitoring and patient education regarding infection risk among women using hormonal contraceptives.