RecruitingPHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Vaginal Detection of Orally Delivered Probiotic Strains in Healthy Women

This study aims to discover how probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria you can take as a supplement by mouth, travel through the body to reach the vagina. Many women are interested in probiotics for supporting vaginal health, but we don't fully understand if the probiotics you swallow actually make their way to the vagina. This research hopes to provide more information on how these good bacteria move within your body. Healthy women between 18 and 50 are invited to take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

PHASE2

Sponsor

Lallemand Health Solutions

Enrolment target

Start

20 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Focus is on Healthy Subjects

What is this study about?

You might have heard about probiotics – they are often called 'good bacteria' and are found in some foods and supplements. Many people take them to help their gut health. There's also a rising interest in whether probiotics can help keep the vagina healthy or help it recover when things are a bit out of balance.

While some probiotics are designed to be used directly in the vagina, this study focuses on probiotics you take by mouth, like a pill or capsule. The big question is: can these oral probiotics actually travel from your digestive system to your vagina and set up home there? We don't have a lot of clear answers on this yet.

This study will help doctors and scientists understand this journey better. By learning how these probiotics move through the body, we can get a clearer picture of their potential to support women in maintaining good vaginal health or helping it return to normal if there's a problem.

Key takeaways

The study explores if oral probiotics reach the vagina.
It aims to understand how probiotics affect women's health.
Participation involves taking a probiotic and giving samples.
You need to be a healthy woman aged 18 to 50.
The study lasts about six weeks and involves clinic visits.
You won't get individual results, but contribute to research.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy women aged between 18 and 50. You should have regular periods and usually have regular bowel movements. You also need to be willing to stop taking any other probiotic supplements or fiber supplements for a few weeks before and during the study.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant, this study isn't suitable. Also, if you've recently used certain medicines like antibiotics or antifungals, or if you have ongoing vaginal or urinary infections, you wouldn't be able to take part. Women who have gone through menopause or have certain long-term health conditions are also not able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a healthy woman between 18 and 50 years old?
Do you have regular or predictable periods?
Are you able to stop taking other probiotics and fibre supplements for a few weeks?
Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant?
Have you not had any vaginal or urinary infections recently?
Are you free from severe long-term illnesses or certain gynaecological conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be asked to take a probiotic supplement by mouth every day for four weeks. Throughout the study, which will involve several visits, you'll need to provide some samples. These include stool samples (poo), vaginal swabs (gentle samples taken from inside the vagina), and swabs from the skin between your vagina and anus. We'll also check the pH balance of your vagina using a swab several times. Before starting, you'll have a pregnancy test. The total duration of your active participation, including preparation time, will be around six weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help us understand more about women's vaginal health, which could benefit others in the future. You will not directly benefit from this study, but you will be contributing to valuable scientific knowledge. While probiotics are generally safe, there's always a small chance of mild side effects like an upset stomach. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Evalulab
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What exactly are probiotics?

Probiotics are live good bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for your health, especially your digestive system. Some people take them as supplements or find them in fermented foods.

Why is this study looking at probiotics for vaginal health?

Some research suggests that good bacteria might help keep the vagina healthy. This study wants to see if probiotics you swallow can actually reach and help your vagina.

Will I know if the probiotics actually reach my vagina?

The study aims to detect the probiotic strains in vaginal samples, but you won't get individual results about whether they were found in your specific samples.

Do I have to stop taking all my vitamins?

You'll need to stop taking any probiotic supplements and fibre supplements for a couple of weeks before and during the study period.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your active participation, including preparing for the study by stopping some supplements, will last about six weeks in total.

How to find out more

Jenna Bouassaly, MSc

jbouassaly@lallemand.com 5142835428 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.