A new study uses AI to identify promising chemical compounds that could develop into effective antibiotics against multi-drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The approach has the potential to address the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance in this fast-evolving pathogen.
A clinical trial aims to evaluate whether laser therapy reduces vaginal dryness caused by breast cancer treatment. The study, REVITALIZE, plans to enroll approximately 250 women with a history of breast cancer who experience moderate to severe vaginal dryness.
Researchers observed female baboons' vaginal tract altering sperm survival based on male genetic makeup, with strongest responses to genetically similar males. The study suggests post-copulatory mate selection via vaginal immune responses and pH in the baboon species.
A study from the Ragon Institute reveals how a live bacterial therapy works to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and why it works better for some women than others. The therapy, LACTIN-V, was found to successfully colonize the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus crispatus in 30% of women, leading to improved vaginal health.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered 25 distinct vaginal microbiome types, challenging the long-standing view of a simplified
The vaginal microbiota is influenced by competition for specific nutritional resources, affecting health outcomes. A resource-based model identified key ecological mechanisms underlying microbiota composition and potential bacterial vaginosis interventions.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2026
A new study found that only a quarter of reproductive health experts prescribe self-administered injectable contraceptives, despite its safety and effectiveness. The study identified barriers such as concerns about patient ability, medication availability, and lack of standardized counseling approaches.
A new study found that quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of high-grade vulvovaginal lesions. Expanding HPV vaccination, especially at younger ages, may help prevent these lesions.
A study published in the journal Bone found a clear link between osteomalacia and a fivefold increased risk of emergency caesarean sections or vacuum-assisted delivery. Vitamin D deficiency is a key underlying cause of osteomalacia, which may influence labor outcomes and increase the need for urgent obstetric interventions.
Researchers have successfully increased the susceptibility of Candida albicans to drug treatment through light-activated therapy. Combining photodynamic inactivation with antifungal amphotericin B reduced fungal growth by up to 87.5% and demonstrated potential as an alternative to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers use surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to analyze vaginal fluid biochemical fingerprints, detecting specific bacterial species like Lactobacillus iners. The portable device produces comparable results to high-end lab equipment, suggesting its potential for point-of-care monitoring.
A study found that 72.5% of young Brazilian women suffer from symptoms like itching, discharge, and pain during intercourse, negatively affecting quality of life and sexual health. The research suggests that vulvovaginal symptoms are often normalized, leading to undertreatment and emphasizing the need for more intimate health education.
A cross-sectional study found common experiences of gaslighting and substantial distress among patients with vulvovaginal disorders. The study emphasizes the need for education supporting a biopsychosocial approach to vulvovaginal pain, as well as the development of validated instruments to quantify patient experiences.
A new study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine reveals that disruptions in cell communication can lead to disease progression in the uterus. Basal cells, typically found in healthy tissues, may be indicative of cancer or other diseases, highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention.
UCSF Medical Center has received the highest possible rating for maternity care, reflecting its commitment to clinical excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. The hospital's maternal care teams include a broad array of expertise, including nurse practitioners, midwives, and obstetrician anesthesiologists.
Researchers have discovered that oleic acid, a naturally occurring oil in the body, restores a healthy balance of vaginal microbes in a laboratory model of BV. Oleic acid inhibits growth of detrimental bacteria and promotes healthier species associated with a stable microbiome.
A team of researchers created a microfluidic human cervix model that replicates the complex interactions between cervical epithelial cells, mucus production, and microbiome. The Cervix Chip technology offers a new testbed for bacterial vaginosis therapeutics and other treatments, addressing a key women's health gap.
A recent study discovered a unique vaginal microbiome in patients with gynecological cancers, which could serve as a diagnostic biomarker. The researchers found a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in potentially pathogenic microorganisms, leading to promising results for early detection.
Researchers developed a biodegradable sponge that releases medication slowly into the organism, improving treatment efficacy for vulvovaginal candidiasis. The device is made from soft, biocompatible materials and can be inserted by patients themselves, making treatment more comfortable.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that certain bacterial species dismantle protective molecules on vaginal cells, dysregulating cell turnover and response to surrounding bacteria. This study may help explain the association between bacterial vaginosis and adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers observed that serotine bats mate without penetration, using their oversized penises like an extra arm to engage in contact mating. The bats' penises are seven times longer and wider than their partners' vaginas, making penetration impossible.
A Kenya-based study found that menstrual cups reduced the risk of bacterial vaginosis and improved vaginal microbiome in teenage girls. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, followed 436 Kenyan secondary school girls and tested for infections every six months.
A small study suggests that vaginal progesterone treatment can increase the chances of conception in couples with unexplained infertility. The treatment, which is safe and low-cost, showed more than double the birth rate among treated women, but further research is needed to confirm these results.
A large randomized clinical trial found that culturing embryos for three days versus five days in the lab has no significant impact on live birth rates. Women's age affects outcomes, with younger women aged under 36 experiencing better results from cleavage-stage transfers.
A study found that healthy adult men with vaginal sex have a unique bacterial community in their urethra, with a core community supporting health and a secondary group more commonly found in the vagina. Vaginal sex has lasting effects, reshaping the male urinary-tract microbiome and increasing bacterial variation.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a Human Vagina Chip to study the effects of microbiome on vaginal health. The chip replicated the human vaginal tissue microenvironment, including its microbiome, and showed that certain strains of bacteria can help maintain an acidic environment and reduce inflammation.
A study found that young women's vaginal immune systems become more active after first-time intercourse, which may increase or decrease the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. The changes were confirmed not to be due to pregnancy or having an STI.
A new study found no difference in sexual enjoyment between women who gave birth via caesarean section and those who delivered vaginally. However, women who had a caesarean section were more likely to report sex-related pain at later stages postpartum.
A water birth significantly reduces the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, pain, and heavy bleeding after birth, while increasing mothers' satisfaction levels and the odds of an intact perineum. A water immersion also increases the likelihood of an intact perineum and reduces episodes of umbilical cord breakage.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that an imbalance in vaginal bacteria is associated with a higher risk of emergency caesarean section. The study analyzed 1,396 samples from 736 pregnant women and discovered that those with greater levels of imbalance were more likely to deliver via C-section.
A new trial has found that vaginal laser therapy treatments claim to reduce negative vaginal symptoms of menopause – experienced by about half of all women – by up to 100 per cent. However, the study shows they might not work at all, with no difference found between the laser treatment and a placebo.
A nationally representative survey of US women identified four techniques to increase pleasure during vaginal penetration: Angling, Rocking, Shallowing, and Pairing. These techniques were previously unnamed in the literature, but provide language for women to communicate and advocate for their sexual pleasure.
Researchers have identified four techniques women use to increase their pleasure, including Angling, Pairing, Rocking and Shallowing. These methods aim to improve the overall experience of vaginal penetration, providing women with a new vocabulary for discussing female pleasure.
A recent study published in JAMA found that surgeries using mesh support and removing the uterus via hysterectomy have comparable clinical outcomes after three years. The research recruited 183 postmenopausal women and showed a 12% better outcome for mesh surgery, with high patient-reported improvements in quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a novel repair device for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) designed specifically for the vagina. The device aims to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing complications, addressing issues that negatively impact women's quality of life.
Researchers are analyzing the genes of hundreds of females with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome to identify genetic causes. The study aims to improve genetic counseling and potential treatment for this condition, which affects about 7-10% of women.
Researchers found that female penises in geographically distinct species of bark lice evolved separately due to environmental pressures and competition for male seminal gifts. The study suggests that the evolution of female penises is linked to sexual selection and mating behaviors.
A comprehensive review of surgical mesh treatments reveals unacceptably high failure rates, with mesh erosion occurring in over 10% of cases for pelvic organ prolapse products and around 2-3% for urinary incontinence products. Patients are often left with lifelong pain and discomfort due to the damage caused by the mesh.
A new study has found that female bladders contain bacteria similar to those in the vagina, with beneficial microbes potentially providing protection against urinary infections. The research could lead to improved diagnostic tests and treatments for urinary tract disorders.
A new scoring system, known as the Panzi Score, has been developed to assess and treat fistula injuries in women. The tool helps physicians predict surgical success and guides treatment decisions.
Research reveals tampons, particularly those made from cotton and rayon, can foster Staphylococcus aureus growth and production of toxic shock toxin. Menstrual cups may harbor bacteria more effectively, increasing risk.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine provides a long-awaited baseline measure of the rate of progression of pelvic organ prolapse. The research found that pelvic organ prolapse progresses slowly, with women who gave birth vaginally being about five years ahead in progression compared to those who delivered by Caesarean section.
Scientists discovered that women are more susceptible to Zika infection due to a suppressed vaginal immune response. The delayed antiviral immune response allows the virus to remain undetected in the vagina, increasing the risk of fetal exposure during pregnancy.
Researchers at the University of Florida identified cells targeted by a male hormone and found that excess hormone exposure during fetal development can cause vaginal defects in females. The study found a specific window of hormonal influence and a type of cell responsible for guiding the developing vagina to its correct position.
A new review by Concordia research reveals that women can experience orgasms through multiple sensory inputs, including the external clitoris, internal vagina, and non-genital areas. The study challenges traditional notions of a single 'whole' orgasm and highlights the diversity of female arousal experiences.
A study published in Cell found that Zika virus can replicate in the vaginal tissue of pregnant mice several days after infection, potentially leading to dire consequences for reproduction. The researchers also detected Zika virus in the fetal brains of infected mice, associated with fetal weight loss.
A study of combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer treatment found that the technique delivers higher radiation doses to tumors without increasing treatment-related problems. The method successfully targets the tumor while avoiding other organs, leading to a better chance of cure.
Researchers have successfully implanted laboratory-grown vaginal organs in four teenage girls with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, achieving normal function and structure over eight years post-surgery. The treatment shows promise for patients requiring vaginal reconstructive surgeries or those with vaginal cancer or injuries.
A new study published in Menopause found that a specific bacterial mix may contribute to vaginal dryness and pain after menopause. The researchers suggest that personalized probiotics could prevent or treat vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), a common cause of sexual pain, offering an alternative to traditional therapies.
A study published in JAMA found that sacrocolpopexy, a common surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, has lower long-term success rates than previously thought. Nearly one-third of women experience treatment failure within five years, while a majority develop urinary incontinence.
A study found that online information on 'designer vagina' procedures is often inaccurate and lacks standard terminology. Researchers call for clearer guidelines to improve standards and empower women to make informed choices.
A recent study found that vaginal microbes change in some healthy women over short periods, while remaining stable in others. These changes can impact a woman's susceptibility to infections and diseases. Researchers hope this research will lead to personalized medicine for women.
A new study reveals that stimulation of female genital regions activates distinct sites in the sensory cortex, contradicting claims of clitoral superiority. Researchers mapped responses to clitoral, vaginal, cervical, and nipple self-stimulation using fMRI, demonstrating significant activation in specific brain areas.
A new study led by the University of Maryland School of Medicine reveals that vaginal microbes can vary significantly between healthy women, even among those from the same ethnicity. The research identifies five main groups of microbial communities and finds that certain communities are more common in Hispanic and black women.
Researchers found that female ducks' vaginas have clockwise spirals to prevent males with aggressive penises from copulating. This evolutionary mechanism helps females control reproduction and provides a unique example of sexual conflict.
A survey of 50 sex therapists found that satisfactory sexual intercourse typically lasts between 3-7 minutes for men and 7-13 minutes for women. The study aims to dispel unrealistic expectations about the length of sexual activity, promoting counseling over medication for addressing existing sexual problems.
Research suggests that beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus in the vagina can reduce HIV virus levels in genital secretions, making it harder for the virus to spread. The study found a link between Lactobacillus production of hydrogen peroxide and lower vaginal HIV levels.
A French surgical team successfully performed a cholecystectomy through the vagina in a 30-year-old woman, eliminating the need for external incisions. The patient recovered promptly with no postoperative pain or scars.
The study found that vaginal bacterial communities differ greatly among women, with at least eight distinct types, each unique to a specific racial group. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventing infections, including those caused by HIV.
Mayo Clinic researchers found robot-assisted, laparoscopic surgery to be effective in repairing vaginal vault prolapse. The procedure resulted in less recovery time, lower risk of bleeding and pain, and higher patient satisfaction compared to traditional open surgery.