7 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
We will be examining the effects of suppressive valacyclovir therapy on the stability of vaginal flora in women who are seropositive for HSV-2. We have preliminary data that suggests the presence of HSV-2 increases the risk for Group B Streptococcus colonization as well as many other deleterious organisms (e.g. Streptococcus pseudoporcinus), in addition to increasing the risk for acquisition of BV-associated vaginal flora. We will be examining the effects of suppressive therapy on the vaginal flora of any HSV-2 seropositive woman.
Bacterial vaginosis is a syndrome manifested by adverse alterations in vaginal microbial flora. It is present in 10 to 25% of women in the general population, and is the most common vaginal infection. It has been associated with a number of adverse sequelae in reproductive health including acquisition of HIV, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical dysplasia, and complications of gynecological procedures. During pregnancy it has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth an postpartum maternal infection. However, the vaginal microbial flora remains poorly understood. Information on variation in microbial flora and its association with BV from a longitudinal study is unavailable. This prospective observational study aims to advance our knowledge of the natural history and abnormal alteration in vaginal microbial flora, and to identify risk factors that are associated with these changes. A total of 5500 healthy, non-pregnant women of reproductive age will be enrolled and followed up in Birmingham, Alabama, for one year (baseline visit plus once every three months afterwards, totaling 5 visits). Detailed information on sociodemographic status, medical history, hygiene practice, sexual behavior and psychosocial stress will be collected through in-person interviews. Routine gynecological and dental examinations will be carried out during the study visits. Samples of vaginal secretion and blood will be collected. Laboratory tests to quantify vaginal microbial flora and to identify infection of bacterial vaginosis as well as common sexually transmitted diseases will be conducted. This project is expected to complete in 5 years.
The aim of this prospective, observational study is to investigate the prevalence of vaginal dysbiosis among women undergoing IVF procedures in the US. And to investigate the associations between the vaginal microbiome and the pregnancy outcome following IVF.
Menopausal women have an increased risk of recurrent urinary tract infections. This is likely due in part to hormonal changes occurring during menopause. As estrogen falls, the vaginal microbiome shifts from a healthy one to a less healthy one. Because the vagina is close to the urethra, this vaginal microbiome shift contributes to a loss of protection against urinary tract infections (UTIs). The investigators are asking whether improving the vaginal microbiome using an over-the-counter vaginal hygiene system can reduce frequency of recurrent UTI in menopausal women.
Background Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women in their reproductive years and a difficult one to treat. In the United States, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), estimated the prevalence of BV was 29 percent in the general population of women aged 14 to 49 years and 50 percent in African-American women. It is characterized by a shift in vaginal flora from an acidic environment due to acid producing lactobacilli to a mixture of anaerobic and facultative microorganisms. BV causes symptoms of vaginal odor, itching, discharge and irritation and can greatly impact a woman's health, quality of life, sexual relations, self-image and well-being. BV has also been associated with an increased risk of preterm labor, STD acquisition and vaginal cuff cellulitis after hysterectomy6. After treatment with antibiotics, recurrences are common. About 15-30% will have recurrence in 3 months7. Normal vaginal flora is lactobacilli dominant. Lactobacilli maintain vaginal pH in the acidic range and keep the growth of BV associated bacteria at low levels. Lactobacilli also produce proteins with bactericidal activity which help to maintain their dominance. Anything that alters the vaginal flora and changes the pH to a more basic environment may increase the risk of BV. Currently, there are many sexual lubricants and vaginal moisturizers available on the market. It has recently been shown that many of these are hyperosmolar and it is thought that hyperosmolar lubricants can be damaging to the epithelium and may alter the pH of the vagina. It is postulated that lubricants and moisturizers may predispose to BV by altering the pH of the vagina. The Flourish Vaginal Care System, by Good Clean Love, includes the following three products: Restore, a 510K-cleared moisturizing personal lubricant that has been on the market for 3 years. It is available without a prescription. It is formulated to bio-match the vaginal secretions of women with L. crispatus-dominated microbiota. Restore has a pH of 3.7 with racemic 1% lactic acid, and is iso-osmolar with serum. It is, therefore, much less likely to alter the acid base balance of the vagina, and therefore less likely to predispose to BV. BiopHresh Vaginal Probiotic Suppository, a Bio Matched probiotic homeopathic formulation which provides a clinically-tested combination of lactobacilli including L. crispatus and other strains found in the most stable vaginal microbiome. Research has shown as many as 30% of women do not naturally produce these critical strains of lactobacilli. Balance Moisturizing Personal Wash is a gentle, pH-balancing cleanser with soothing botanical extracts, formulated with more than 60% premium aloe. It is made without toxic saponifiers found in most bar soaps and OTC cleansers, which tend to disrupt the cell to cell adhesion barrier8. The aim of this study is to determine if Flourish Vaginal Care System aids in re-establishing and maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome by restoring the vaginal pH in to the acidic range. The healthiest vaginal environments are characterized by optimal acidic vaginal pH levels, the presence of specific strains of lactobacilli. The secondary aim is to determine if the continued use of Flourish will prevent recurrence of BV over a 6 month period. The third aim is to determine what the vaginal microbiome community state type is after 6 months of Flourish use. This study is designed to be a pilot/feasibility study. The study will compare the subjects to a historical recurrence risk7. It will also assess the ability of subjects to comply with the protocol.
This is a virtual single-group clinical trial that will last 12 weeks. Participants will use The Killer® (Boric Acid Suppositories) once daily for 7 consecutive days when they feel that they are experiencing any of the common signs of vaginal imbalance like vaginal malodor, vaginal irritation, and/or vaginal itching. Participants will complete a questionnaire before using the product and on Days 3 and 7 of using the product. They will also complete a vaginal swab pH test before using the product and after 7 days of using the product (Day 8).
Women over the age of 60 years have an estimated 10 to 15 % risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). This is believed to be due to hormonally induced changes in the vaginal flora associated with menopause. After menopause, there is a chemical changes in the vagina that may predispose to bacterial infections. The role of vaginal estrogen creams to restore vaginal atrophy and prevent urinary tract infections has been well characterized. Vaginal testosterone (VT) application use in postmenopausal breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors have been shown to improve vaginal pH, vaginal atrophy symptom scores, dyspareunia, and vaginal dryness. Although testosterone has been used to improve sexual function in postmenopausal women, the effects of VT on vaginal flora and recurrent UTIs are unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine whether topically applied vaginal testosterone cream is more effective than placebo in reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections and to ascertain the effects of topical estrogen on the vaginal pH and flora.