Completed in 2020

The BVAPS study aimed to determine associations between factors and sexual practices and the composition of the vaginal microbiome of women treated for bacterial vaginosis (BV).This study looked at the vaginal bacteria of women who were treated for bacterial vaginosis over a six month period.

After treatment, we found higher amounts of BV in women who had sex with the same partner before being treated or who had a past history of BV. These women were also less likely to have normal vaginal bacteria composed of lactobacilli bacteria. These data further highlight the need for therapy that includes the partner.

Publications

Sex is associated with the persistence of non-optimal vaginal microbiota following treatment for bacterial vaginosis: a prospective cohort study

Ratten LK, Plummer EL, Murray GL, Danielewski J, Fairley CK, Garland SM, Hocking JS, Tachedjian G, Chow EPF, Bradshaw CS, Vodstrcil L

(2020), BJOG: an International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology,

DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16430