The Impact of Vaginal Washing on Cervical Inflammation

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · Sep 23, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of stopping vaginal washing on cervical inflammation and overall reproductive health in women. Vaginal washing is a practice that many women think is good for hygiene, but it might actually increase the risk of HIV and other issues. The researchers want to find out if stopping this practice can lower inflammation in the cervix and promote healthy bacteria in the vagina.

To participate in this study, women aged 18 to 50 who have washed inside their vagina in the past week and are HIV-negative may be eligible. They should not be pregnant, currently menstruating, or have certain health issues. Participants will be asked to avoid sexual activity for two weeks after undergoing a biopsy, which is a small procedure to collect tissue samples. The trial is not yet recruiting, but it aims to provide valuable information about how vaginal washing might affect women’s health.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Reports vaginal washing beyond the introitus in the past week
• • Female, aged 18-50
• • Presence of a cervix
• • Informed consent obtained and form signed
• • HIV-seronegative
• • Non-pregnant (urine β-hCG negative)
• • Willing to abstain from sex for 14 days after biopsy
• • Post-menarche and pre-menopause
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • \<3 months postpartum or current breastfeeding
• • Current menstruation (can enroll after menses)
• • History of bleeding disorder
• • Visible cervical abnormality requiring evaluation
• • Medical contraindication to study protocol
• • Visible cervicovaginal ulcers or lesions
• • Positive test for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, or wet preparation and examination findings indicating vulvovaginal candidiasis