Healthy Women Research Study
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are conducting a study to learn more about potential treatments for bacterial vaginosis.
Fast Facts
No History of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Ages 18-45
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Boston, MA
Study Background
Could transferring a complete, healthy bacterial community help treat individuals with abnormal vaginal bacteria like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
BV is a condition that affects about 30% of women living in the United States, and is the leading cause of vaginitis. While we do not know the root cause of BV, we know it is due to an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria.
BV is commonly treated with antibiotics, but there is a 60% rate of reoccurrence. Through this research study, we want to see if Vaginal Microbiota Transplant (VMT) can help restore the healthy bacterial community, and treat bacterial imbalances like BV.
Study Background
Could transferring a complete, healthy bacterial community help treat individuals with abnormal vaginal bacteria like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
BV is a condition that affects about 30% of women living in the United States, and is the leading cause of vaginitis. While we do not know the root cause of BV, we know it is due to an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria.
BV is commonly treated with antibiotics, but there is a 60% rate of reoccurrence. Through this research study, we want to see if Vaginal Microbiota Transplant (VMT) can help restore the healthy bacterial community, and treat bacterial imbalances like BV.
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a Vaginal Microbiota Transplant (VMT) can help restore the healthy bacterial community and treat bacterial imbalances like BV.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-45
- No history of bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Not currently using probiotics
- No oral or vaginal antibiotics in the past 3 months
- Not currently pregnant
- No endometriosis or consistent pain with sex
- No history of HSV2, HIV, Hepatitis B or C
- No significant medical diagnoses (cancer, heart disease, chronic pain) or who need to take immunosuppressive medications (oral steroids, methotrexate, plaquenil, rituximab)
- Not treated for syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia in the past year
- Have not traveled to a country with an active Zika virus or mpox outbreak in the past 6 months are excluded
- Willing to donate vaginal fluid
- Willing to abstain from sexual activity between the second screening visit and the final donation
If you are eligible, you will be asked to donate vaginal fluid up to 20 times over the course of 45 days. This involves using a disposable menstrual cup in the vagina either the night before, or 6-8 hours before you to deliver the sample. Additionally, you will be asked to complete a blood draw and pelvic exam to test for infection. During the donation period, you will be asked to abstain from sexual activity.
30-45 days after your last donation, you will return for a final blood test.
You can earn up to $800 for completing all study tasks.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
