Pads vs. tampons vs. cups: which is best for your vaginal bacteria?
NCT ID NCT06646185
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how using pads, tampons, or menstrual cups for two cycles each changes the bacteria in the vagina. One hundred women in Peru, Cameroon, and Switzerland will try all three products in a random order over six months. The goal is to see which product is linked to a healthier bacterial balance.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help women choose menstrual products that support a healthy vaginal microbiome.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage observational study with no control group, so results may not apply to all women or lead to clear recommendations.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Emergentes et Re-Emergentes
RECRUITINGYaoundé, Yaoundé, 3, Cameroon
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Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
RECRUITINGAllschwil, Allschwil, 4123, Switzerland
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Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana
RECRUITINGIquitos, Iquitos, 16007, Peru