Something else? Ask Aunt Vadge – bottom left of your screen!Staphylococcus bacterial biofilms
Staph biofilms have been found on regular-use tampons and pads (after use).
Study: Lactobacillus attacks G. vaginalis biofilm
Lactobacillus has been shown to degrade the G. vaginalis biofilm better than any other substance.
OBSOLETE Got BV? Science needs you, teenagers!
If you think something is not quite right or have been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, researchers want to talk to you!
Study: How doctors differ in screening for female sexual dysfunction
Researchers examined how FSD is addressed and investigated in routine healthcare check-ups in the USA.
CLOSED DEC 2019: Be part of a pelvic floor study from your couch! (ends Dec 2019)
Be a part of scientific research - Monash University wants your pelvic floor experiences! Fill out the survey now.
Study into the metabolic ‘signature’ of vaginas with BV
A study looks into the difference between BV vaginas and healthy vaginas in terms of metabolites.
Study: herbal medicine in PCOS improves symptom management
A randomised controlled trial in women with PCOS reveals the power of certain herbal medicines when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.
Study: L. crispatus probiotic cheese for preventing vaginal infections
Researchers have developed a robust soft cheese made with Lactobacillus crispatus, one of our favourite vaginal colonisers.
Study: Replens – a review for BV symptoms and vaginal pH (spoiler – it doesn’t work that well)
Replens does not significantly alter vaginal pH, and is not a treatment for BV, however may improve some symptoms.
DEADLINE PASSED – Never had an orgasm or find it difficult? Female Study Participants Wanted ASAP! (It’s free!) Deadline 21 Feb 2018
A psychologist is trialling a course for women to learn how to orgasm, designed for women who struggle to orgasm or who have never had an orgasm.
PCOS finally renamed, now PMOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome has a new name – polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). Here's why it changed and what it means for you.
Study: urinary acidity can affect how many UTIs you get
Your urine pH may need to be more neutral - not acidic, not alkaline - to protect against UTIs.
Study shows Prevotella bivia likes a less acidic vaginal pH (BV)
Discover how Prevotella bivia thrives in high-pH environments like bacterial vaginosis, and the implications for treatment options.
Endometriosis: science finds no shift in vaginal microbiome
Big studies keep failing to find a clear vaginal microbiome shift behind endometriosis.
Study: tea tree and coconut vinegar for inhibiting biofilm growth and killing G. vaginalis
A small lab study looked at the ability of tea tree oil and coconut vinegar to inhibit the growth of the biofilms of and kill Gardnerella vaginalis.
Study: Does strain matter? G. vaginalis
Find out if the strain of Gardnerella matters when it comes to BV. A study examines 32 strains of G. vaginalis, their 8 biotypes and abnormal discharge.
Study: DNase disrupts biofilm of G. vaginalis
DNase disrupts biofilms created by G. vaginalis, but it is not available for us just yet.
Study: myo-inositol with folic acid for PCOS
A short review of two different research studies showing the benefits of myo-inositol with folic acid for PCOS.
Study: BV and the vaginal immune response as it relates to HIV infection
A study looks into vaginal inflammation, BV and the relationship with HIV transmission to see what we could possibly be doing better to protect women.
Impact of Cinnamomum on Candida spp.
Cinnamon extracts are showing enormous promise as an antibiofilm agent against Candida species.
Study: the impact of temperature and pH on biofilm formation – it matters!
Temperature and pH make all the difference to biofilm formation in several studied bacteria.
Study: Ginkgo biloba for female sexual dysfunction caused by SSRI use
In a study of 63 test subjects suffering from antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, the women in the group had up to 91 per cent success rate for increasing sexual response after taking ginkgo biloba.
Study: thyme cream for bacterial vaginosis
A thyme-like herb was trialled against standard antibiotic treatment for BV, and has come out slightly under par in a direct comparison.
Experimental models for investigating female sexual function and dysfunction: a short review
A short review of experimental models for investigating female sexual arousal dysfunction.
Study: men carry BV-associated bacteria on and in their penises
Researchers tested the skin of the penis, urethra, head of the penis and urine and semen samples of the male partners of women with BV - men have it too!
Sexual pain study needs postmenopausal participants!
A study is seeking participants for a study on herbal medicine, a green tea extract, to eliminate sexual pain.
Study: the link between BV and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and colitis)
There is a positive association between IBD and BV bacteria, with worse outcomes for those on steroids treatment.
How to make yoghurt with your vaginal bacteria
Genius makes yoghurt out of her vaginal secretions.
Study: species of probiotic bacteria in water kefir
A collection of three home-made water kefir concoctions measured in a lab have an assortment of main bacterial colonies.
The microbiome of the penis, semen and male reproductive tract
The penile microbiome is being examined for its role in fertility, infections and interactions with the vaginal microbiome.
Study: the relationship between endometritis (inflammation of the endometrium) and BV
Women with BV more often have an inflamed endometrial lining than those without BV.
Study: Glycosulfatase and it’s relationship with BV
An enzyme present in vaginas with BV breaks down the mucous layer so the bacteria can adhere to the vaginal cells.
Tetracyclines for non-antibiotic uses
Find out what actions tetracyclines have outside of their antibiotic properties.
Study: Essential oils that attack biofilms in vitro
A study examines several essential oils for their potency against biofilms.
Study: do circumcised penises mean less vaginal infections? (spoiler alert – yes)
Circumcised penises result in less infection issues in female sexual partners.
Impact of Cinnamomum on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Cinnamomum, one of the active constituents of cinnamon, has strong antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa.
Study: the impact of three essential oils on fermented milk products
Ever wondered if you should add essential oils into your fermented milk drinks? Here food science tells us what happens to the bacteria when you add antibacterial essential oils.
Study: Vagisil kills your good bacteria after 24 hours
Vagisil was shown in a lab to reduce the action of your good bacteria which is bad news for good vaginal health.
Dioxins in US tampons – why it isn’t a concern
Dioxins are one of the 'dirty dozen' worst toxic pollutants.
Study: Gardnerella vaginalis – links with male infertility?
Researchers look into the sperm quality of infertile men carrying G. vaginalis.
A quick look at the evolution of BV research
Bacterial vaginosis has been a medical enigma for over a century, which isn't promising considering they still haven't found a solution or even a treatment that works.
What is genital shedding in herpes?
Viral shedding is where a virus makes virus babies that are popped out of cells, setting out to find their own cells to replicate in, and pop out their own viral babies.
Why vaginal microbiota transplants aren’t working yet
A randomised trial shows vaginal microbiota transplants don't beat placebo without antibiotic prep, though antiseptic pretreatment hints at a fix.
Can meditation improve your sex life?
We look over the research discussing the effects of meditation on female sexual desire and function, with some interesting results. Can meditation truly improve your sex life?
Study: L. crispatus competitively excludes G. vaginalis
L. crispatus competitively excludes G. vaginalis and can have a protective effect on the vagina.
Can AI help diagnose anogenital skin conditions? Do the survey!
Join the SHADE‑AI Clinician Survey and help advance AI‑assisted diagnosis in sexual health. Participate in this 10‑minute research study now!
Understanding clinical trials
Overview of clinical trials.
Study: post-BV-treatment sex life and contraceptives use matters
Worse outcomes were found in women who had the same sex partner before and after BV treatment, but better outcomes in those on oestrogen-based birth control.
Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) for lichen sclerosus: does it work?
Does PRP work for lichen sclerosus? An early study looked promising, but the only placebo-controlled trial found it no better than saline.
What is Gram staining?
Learn about Gram staining and how it's used to figure out what's living in your vagina.
Secnidazole (Solosec) for BV
Secnidazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections, including BV. It has about the same rate of cure as metronidazole.
Study: 5-day BV antibiotic treatment flop
Swidsinski strikes again in another study to help eradicate BV from the lives of women forever. What a dude.
Study: Lactobacilli resistance to low temperatures – can we really freeze kefir?
Freezing kefir or other probiotics isn't necessarily a good idea - strain matters. Here's a small study on four popular probiotic strains and how they fared with freezing.
Using neem oil vaginally
Learn about the use of neem oil for vaginal infections and as a method of contraception in humans and animals.
Study: Treating cervical infections and dysplasia with high-dose vitamin D
Researchers look into using vaginal vitamin D ovules for post-medical-treatment of chronic cervical infections and abnormal cell growth.
Obesity and BV
Obesity is known to be a chronic inflammatory state, with fat tissue being an immunologically active organ. That's right - we said organ!
Does arousal and orgasm influence hormone levels in pre-menopausal women?
A practitioner-level guide to understanding how sex, arousal and orgasm impact hormone levels. THIS IS EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP-ONLY CONTENT! My Vagina Pro Practitioner Membership or BV & AV Clinical Intensive ENROL NOW! Check email for instant access ____________ Already a member? log in
Study: Chitosan polymers tested for BV biofilm destruction capacities
Chitosan was much more effective at disrupting biofilms (in the lab) than polycarbophil gels, and may prove to be a useful treatment in future for biofilm-dependent vaginal infections.
Evidence for men carrying Gardnerella vaginalis in the urethra
A couple of older studies look at G. vaginalis in the urethras of men.
Clinical Trial: PRP for lichen sclerosus
A new study is seeking participants for a novel lichen sclerosus treatment, PRP.
High-tech mesh for pelvic prolapse
A prolapse-correcting mesh is being developed in Australia that integrates with human tissue to become part of the body.
Genital ulcers from non-sexually-transmissible viral sources
There are a few rarer causes of genital ulcers that can appear with flu-like symptoms, or by themselves, and appear to be related to viruses.
Study: Using boric acid and G. vaginalis
We examine some scientific research into boric acid, and how it could tip your treatment over the edge.
Study: The impact of the Mirena IUD on vaginal bacteria – good, bad or indifferent?
This study found that numbers of L. crispatus before and after the IUD was inserted were more or less the same.
Do or don’t? Douching in BV, AV and yeast infections
The more you douche, the more likely you are to have BV and other microbiome problems.
Use of oral zinc in lichen planus of the mouth and vulva
Treatment of oral lichen planus with zinc has resulted in some cases of complete clearance of lesions.
Study: the impact of pH alone on BV biofilms
A study looks into the impact of just pH on BV - with interesting results.
Study: the impact of freezing techniques on lactobacilli survival rates
Can you freeze probiotic bacteria? We find out using a study from food science.
How pH affects glycogen degradation in the vagina and affects lactobacilli growth
The acidity or alkalinity of the vagina impacts on how glycogen is broken down by amylase. This impacts lactobacilli numbers. We explain how.
Study: Retrocyclin as a G. vaginalis biofilm inhibitor
Retrocyclin can interrupt new biofilm formation and G. vaginalis-mediated cell death, but it cannot interrupt established biofilms or kill bacteria.
Oleic acid, L. iners and recurrent BV
New research reveals that oleic acid, the main fat in olive oil and avocado, may help prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis.
Impact of Cinnamomum on Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Staph biofilms are susceptible to some of the active constituents in cinnamon, making Cinnamomum a possible treatment avenue for resistant infections.
Lichen sclerosus clinical trials in progress or recruiting
Check out current clinical trials for lichen sclerosus being undertaken across the world.
Study: Coriander and thyme essential oils for vaginal infections
A study takes a closer look at whether coriander and thyme essential oils work on biofilms.
Study: BV can be sexually transmitted
BV has been found in male semen and urine samples. It is sexually transmissable between women and men.
DEADLINE SEPT 2018 National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Invites Medical Research Proposals on Generalised Vulvodynia
The National Vulvodynia Association is seeking research proposals on the causes or treatment of generalised vulvodynia, with $50,000 in research grants available.
PCOS, BV and the vaginal microbiome
People with PCOS get more BV, but why is this? We discuss.
The first trial of vaginal PRP for sexual function – does it work?
The first placebo-controlled trial of vaginal platelet-rich plasma (PRP) found most premenopausal women reported better sexual function at six months.
CLINICAL TRIAL CLOSED: BV treatment
BV trial now taking participants in San Francisco.
A new library of 33,804 vaginal microbiome genomes published
How the 2024 Vaginal Microbial Genome Collection upgrade enhances microbiome research and BV testing accuracy with deeper genetic insights.
UTI study: negative culture but antibiotics help
A recent survey asked those suffering chronic UTIs what their experience has been with their diagnosis and treatment.
CLOSED Clinical Trial: Do you have experience with lichen sclerosus? Science needs you!
Research project needs anyone involved in lichen sclerosus - patients, carers, doctors - to advance our understanding of this difficult to treat autoimmune/skin condition.
BV + partners study – join a study today! (AUSTRALIA ONLY) 2023
A study is being run in Australia on how partners are involved in bacterial vaginosis. Take part!
Study: Lactobacillus rhamnosus is resistant to antibiotics
A study on two lactobacilli and G. vaginalis. See which good bacteria actually survive antibiotics.
STIs in children
Statistics show that about 10% of sexually abused children have an STI.
Study: How cinnamon oil interferes with biofilm formation
Cinnamon oil has antimicrobial properties that interfere with biofilm formation of certain gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Cervix-on-a-chip shows how protective bacteria block STIs
An immune-capable 'cervix-on-a-chip' lets scientists watch protective L. crispatus shield against STIs in real time, confirming the microbiome shapes risk.
Study: BV, HIV and herpes – is all what it seems?
The link between HIV, BV and HSV-2 may not be as it seems.
STUDY CLOSED: Aussies with chronic thrush, science needs you!
Suffering chronic yeast infections? Be part of science and participate in a new non-drug treatment! Aussies only.
Study: Coconut oil as a biofilm-busting agent in the mouth
We look at the study results of biofilm formation in the mouth and how coconut can interrupt it.
Hymen injuries in children
Hymenal injuries in children typically heal very quickly, often without scarring. If your child has a torn hymen, it's important to know why and have her examined to ensure there is no internal injury.
Smoking and BV
Smoking affects the vaginal microbiome and urinary tract in several important ways, contiruting directly to BV and UTIs.
Study: Subtypes of G. vaginalis
A study into the different subtypes of G. vaginalis present in BV, and which are most closely associated with BV.
Clinical trials: is vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (vestibulodynia) caused by the pill? STUDY NOW CLOSED
Clinical trial seeking participants on VVS and the pill STUDY NOW CLOSED
Atrophic vaginitis (now part of Genitourinary Symptoms of Menopause GSM)
Atrophic vaginitis is caused by low oestrogen levels, since vaginal cells rely heavily on oestrogen to stay plump and juicy. Without oestrogen, our vulvar and vaginal cells can really suffer, becoming dry, easily broken, and irritated.
How does Ramadan affect the vaginal microbiome? Let’s find out!
Discover the unique intersection of faith and health in Isala's groundbreaking Rufaida study, named after the esteemed Rufaida al Aslamia.
Oral pilocarpine can moisten a dry vagina
A study shows that oral pilocarpine can offer those on chemotherapy relief from vaginal dryness with mild side effects.
Study: Cryopreserved donor sperm contains G. vaginalis (BV) seeds
A study has shown that some cryopreserved sperm is infected with G. vaginalis.
Study: antibiotics can be a dud for BV
Metronidazole is not effective at killing bacterial vaginosis, because it does not remove the biofilm left by Gardnerella vaginalis.
Study: does BV cause infertility in women?
A study looked into rates of certain types of female infertility and how that related to BV.