<p>The GALE study is a longitudinal study of the association between lubricant use and the vaginal microbiota in women receiving transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) at the Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.</p> <p>Participants undergo a clinical exam at enrollment (at least 5 days prior to TVUS) and self-collect daily, mid-vaginal samples in the week leading up to TVUS, including immediately before the procedure. At the TVUS appointment, the sonographer applies a single-use packet of Glide lubricating jelly to the probe. The product was selected for study as it was currently being used in the TVUS clinic at the University of Maryland Medical Center and is a clinical lubricant which is very similar in composition to many sex lubricants. Participants collect samples the evening after TVUS and present for a follow-up clinical exam within a week of TVUS. Participants continue to sample twice weekly for an additional 8 weeks (returning completed kits each week), complete daily health and behavior diaries, and attend one final clinical exam at week 10. The clinician evaluates participants for bacterial vaginosis (BV) at each clinical visit using Amsel's criteria, and also looks for signs of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and trichomonas using a wet mount.</p>

Gynecology and Lubricant Effects (GALE) Study

Patterns in on-time, daily submission of a short web-based personal behavior survey in a longitudinal women's health study.

Observational cohort study of the effect of a single lubricant exposure during transvaginal ultrasound on cell-shedding from the vaginal epithelium

Uterine fibroids and longitudinal profiles of the vaginal microbiota in a cohort presenting for transvaginal ultrasound

Longitudinal profiles of the vaginal microbiota of pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal women: preliminary insights from a secondary data analysis