Study on How Stopping Vaginal Washing Affects Cervical Inflammation Randomized Trial Among Women Aged 18 to 50

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how vaginal washing affects cervical inflammation and may increase the risk of HIV acquisition. This study focuses on women who engage in vaginal washing and aims to understand whether stopping this practice can reduce inflammation and improve vaginal health by increasing protective Lactobacillus species and reducing immune cells and epithelial disruption in the cervix. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups an intervention group that attends three weekly small-group educational sessions designed to promote vaginal washing cessation using a behavioral change model, and a control group that does not receive these sessions but completes weekly questionnaires. The study will measure biological markers at enrollment, at the end of the intervention week 4, and three months after enrollment week 12. During the study, participants will undergo evaluations including cervicovaginal fluid analysis for inflammatory cytokines, cervical biopsies to assess immune cells and epithelial proteins, and tests for vaginal Lactobacillus presence. The research team will monitor changes over time to assess the impact of stopping vaginal washing on mucosal health. Women will also complete questionnaires weekly, and the study will last for at least 12 weeks per participant.

The Impact of Vaginal Washing on Cervical Inflammation