Our team is proud to lead the first randomized trial of vaginal microbiome transplant in the United States. Our goal is to advance our scientific understanding of vaginal health to enable design of new and better treatments for women. Keep reading to find out how you can participate in this research study!

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS RESEARCH STUDY?

  • A third of women worldwide have bacterial vaginosis (BV).
  • BV can cause vaginal discharge, vaginal odor and irritation.
  • Antibiotic treatment for BV can provide temporary relief, but in up to 60% of people, BV comes back within a month.
  • We think this is because in many people the protective bacteria, Lactobacillus, do not come back after antibiotic therapy.  Many people try the oral probiotics available in stores to help restore Lactobacillus, but these have not been widely effective.

This research study will test whether transferring vaginal fluid with healthy Lactobacillus to someone with recurrent BV will prevent BV from coming back.

There are two ways to participate:

DONORS

Healthy people who have never had BV can volunteer to donate vaginal fluid. Donors are tested for many infections at least 3 times during participation, and can provide up to 20 donations. Donors who complete all study visits can receive up to $725.

Interested in being a vaginal fluid donor? Click here

TRIAL PARTICIPANTS

People who have had BV at least twice in the past 6 months and who do not have vaginal Lactobacillus will be randomized to receive either healthy vaginal fluid or a sterile placebo. Participants have a total of 10 visits over 6 months. Participants who complete all study visits can receive up to $300 

Have BV? Interested in being part of the study? Click here

Meet our team of scientists, clinicians, technicians, students and coordinators:

Caroline Mitchell

Co-Principle Investigator Dr. Caroline Mitchell is an Obstetrician Gynecologist at MGH and Director of the Vulvovaginal Disorders Program.

Douglas Kwon

Co-Principle Investigator Dr. Doug Kwon is an Infectious Disease specialist, and PI of a lab at the Ragon Institute

Co-investigator Dr. Fatima Aysha Hussain is a Research Scientist at the Ragon Institute who received her PhD from MIT. She is an expert in microbial ecology and genomics.

Meet some more of our amazing team!