Understanding the microbiology of neovaginas

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Understanding the Human Papillomavirus and microbial environment in transgender and non binary people with neovaginas (TGNP); a feasibility study

  • IRAS ID

    341484

  • Contact name

    Kate Cuschieri

  • Contact email

    kate.cuschieri@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Edinburgh

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    We have a good understanding of the viruses and bacteria (microbes) that can reside in the vaginas of natal women, comparatively, we have less of an understanding of the microbes that reside in the constructed vaginas of transgender and non binary people (TGNP) after gender affirmation surgery. A good example of this is Human Papillomavirus (HPV); a common genital infection in cis individuals which we know less about in trans-women. We would like to (1) find out if TGNP would be willing to participate in research to help us understand more about microbes that can reside in neovaginas (2) assess what kind of swab can be used in neovaginas to provide a good sample for testing in the laboratory. We hope that this work will serve to understand and improve neovaginal health in the TGNP population

  • REC name

    West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    24/WM/0114

  • Date of REC Opinion

    11 Jun 2024

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion