Figure 1.

Schematic representation of the sampling scheme and taxonomic profiles. Over 50 women were recruited using one of three contraceptive regimens: NHC (non-hormonal contraceptives), COC (combined oral contraceptives) and LNG-IUS (levonorgestrel intrauterine system). Included women were sampled at the hospital during the menstrual phase (cycle days 1–3), follicular phase (cycle days 8–12) and luteal phase (cycle days 18–22). Blood samples, saliva and rectal swabs were collected at the hospital; vaginal swabs and faeces were collected by the women at home. Women on LNG-IUS with oligo-/amenorrhoea started their sampling at a random day. The average taxonomic profile observed at each body site is depicted as circle charts. Only the vaginal swabs are divided by contraceptive and sampling point in this figure, since they are the only ones with clear visible differences.