Could a common hygiene habit raise HIV risk? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT06615232
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether stopping vaginal washing can lower inflammation in the cervix, which might help explain why this practice is linked to a higher risk of HIV. Researchers will measure immune cells and protective bacteria in 122 women who currently wash inside the vagina. The goal is to understand the biological effects of this common habit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 122 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 50 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Reports vaginal washing beyond the introitus in the past week * Female, aged 18-50 * Presence of a cervix * Informed consent obtained and form signed * HIV-seronegative * Non-pregnant (urine β-hCG negative) * Willing to abstain from sex for 14 days after biopsy * Post-menarche and pre-menopause Exclusion Criteria: * \<3 months postpartum or current breastfeeding * Current menstruation (can enroll after menses) * History of bleeding disorder * Visible cervical abnormality requiring evaluation * Medical contraindication to study protocol * Visible cervicovaginal ulcers or lesions * Positive test for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, or wet preparation and examination findings indicating vulvovaginal candidiasis
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Pwani Research Center
RECRUITINGMombasa, Kenya
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