Evaluation of the effect of vaginal lubricants on the vaginal mucosa, acidbase status, and the composition of the vaginal microbiome in reproductive-aged women

Objective. To compare the effect of various vaginal lubricant compositions used during sexual intercourse on the vaginal mucosa, acid-base status, and vaginal microbiome composition in reproductive-aged women. Materials and methods. The vaginal epithelium, pH values in the vaginal environment, and the vaginal microbiome were assessed according to the additive contained in the lubricant regularly used by women of reproductive age (27.3±4.9 years) during sexual intercourse for three months. Sixty study participants were divided into 4 groups of 15 women in each according to the type of a lubricant (an indifferent lubricant, lubricants containing colloidal silver, lactose, or lactic acid). The investigators used the following assessment methods: visual inspection to assess the color and moisture of the mucosa, its folds, the nature of leucorrhoea, and the existence of injury to the vaginal mucosa; Kolpo-test pH indicator test strips; as well as a real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using the Femoflor-4 system. Results. The regular use of the studied lubricants by reproductive-aged women was found to keep the vaginal mucosa in its normal state, not to negatively affect the acid-base balance of the vaginal environment and the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Conclusion. The use of a lubricant with an additive of colloidal silver and a prebiotic can significantly improve the status of the vaginal mucosa (p=0.032).

vaginal lubricant, status of the vaginal mucosa, acid-base status of the vaginal environment, vaginal microbiome