Allschwil

Researchers are investigating how three types of menstrual products—menstrual pads, tampons, and menstrual cups—affect the bacterial makeup of the vaginal microbiome. The study takes place in three countries: Peru, Cameroon, and Switzerland. It uses a randomized crossover design where participants use each product in a specific sequence over a total duration of six months, with each menstrual product used for two menstrual cycles before switching to the next. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of six different sequences to use the menstrual products. Each participant will adopt each product for two menstrual cycles, providing vaginal microbiome samples through self-collected swabs at three points during each menstrual cycle. Self-sampling kits with swabs and menstrual products will be supplied before each menstrual cycle. Throughout the study, participants will collect vaginal samples monthly after menstruation ends, for approximately six months. These samples will be analyzed to measure changes in the bacterial populations, focusing on the balance between Dialister and Lactobacillus crispatus. The study does not include a separate control group due to its crossover design. Researchers will monitor the vaginal microbiome composition, and participants will be closely followed during the entire study period.