A FEMALE PARTNER STUDY
If you are 18 years of age or older and you have had a female sexual partner in the last 12 months, the Sexual Health Research Unit at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre is conducting a women’s health research project that you may be interested in.
What is the study about:
The WOW study aims to see how commonly BV occurs in women with female sexual partners and how it may be related to sexual activity. Several studies have demonstrated that women who have female sexual partners are at higher risk of BV than other women but it is not clear why this is so. Some studies suggest BV may be sexually transmitted, however this remains unproven.
What is BV:
BV is a common vaginal condition. In BV a woman’s usual healthy vaginal bacteria (in particular lactobacillus bacteria) are replaced by an overgrowth of mixed bacteria. BV may cause symptoms of an abnormal vaginal discharge or odour (smell). However, more than half the women with BV do not have any symptoms so are often unaware of the infection.
What you have to do:
Take self collected vaginal swabs (at home) and complete an on-line survey. We supply all reply paid postage to send the swabs back to us.
Risks from this study:
No risks are foreseen for this study. Self-collection of vaginal swabs is a simple and painless procedure. This method has been used in numerous studies and in situations where women prefer self collection.
Your Specimens:
Samples will be stored at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and coded (with no name). They will be examined for organisms related to the study of bacterial vaginosis.
Confidentiality and Ethics:
All of the information you submit to us is is stored securely and coded to ensure your privacy. The study has been approved by The University of Melbourne and Alfred Hospital ethics committees
What’s in it for you?
- This project does not require any clinic visits and can be done by the internet, telephone and post.
- You will be reimbursed with Coles-Myer vouchers to the value of $20.00 every 3 months
- A 1800 number to discuss any sexual health concerns
- Your participation will contribute to understanding the health of women who have sex with women.
|
