Study of How Different Menstrual Protection Methods Affect Vaginal Health and Immune Response in Women Aged 18 to 49

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore how different menstrual protection products, such as tampons, menstrual cups, and external pads, may impact vaginal health. The study focuses on understanding their effects on vaginal microbiota, immune responses, and the recurrence of gynecological conditions like bacterial vaginosis, mycosis, and dysbiosis. It addresses a public health concern due to limited research on womens menstrual and sexual health and the minimal regulatory oversight of internal menstrual products. Participants will be grouped based on their main menstrual protection method menstrual cup users, tampon users, and external sanitary pad users. Biological samples including vaginal, cervical, urinary, and blood will be collected during clinical visits. These samples will be analyzed for differences in vaginal microbiota composition, immune responses through cytokine profiling and flow cytometry, and exposure to environmental pollutants found in urine. Women taking part will undergo gynecological exams and provide various biological samples that will be stored and analyzed for microbial, immune, and toxicological markers. The primary outcome is to determine how internal menstrual product use affects vaginal microbiota. Secondary outcomes include comparing immune responses and pollutant levels in urine. The study involves ongoing monitoring of participants health and sample collection, with analyses conducted within 24 months after collection.

Impact of Internal Menstrual Protections on Immunity and Vaginal Microbiota