Health · Medical Research · 2 hrs ago
Small study tests oxygen treatment for vaginal infections
Researchers tested oxygen treatment for vaginal infections in 22 women with bacterial vaginosis or non-specific vaginitis at a university hospital in Modena, Italy.
The vagina is usually home to protective Lactobacillus bacteria, but infections can disrupt that balance and allow other microbes to grow.
The pilot study divided participants into two groups: one received oxygen, while the other received oxygen alongside antibiotic or antifungal medicine.
Treatment involved four sessions over two weeks, with vaginal samples taken before and after.
The researchers described changes in the vaginal microbiome, but the study cannot show oxygen caused them.
Larger trials are needed to establish whether oxygen treatment is effective and safe.
An exploratory pilot study tested topical oxygen treatment in 22 women with bacterial vaginosis or non-specific vaginitis.
Participants were assigned to oxygen treatment alone or oxygen combined with targeted antibiotic or antifungal treatment.
The researchers examined vaginal microbiome changes after treatment, but the study cannot establish that oxygen caused them.
The authors said the findings warrant further trials.
- Who
- Researchers studied 22 women aged 18 to 45 with bacterial vaginosis or non-specific vaginitis.
- What
- They tested topical oxygen treatment, either alone or alongside targeted antimicrobial treatment, and examined changes in vaginal microbiota.
- When
- The article was published on 29 October 2026. Swabs were collected at baseline and 10 to 14 days after treatment.
- Where
- The study was conducted at the Obstetrics Unit of the University Hospital of Modena, Italy.
- Why
- Researchers investigated whether raising oxygen levels could suppress some microbes associated with vaginal dysbiosis while preserving or restoring protective bacteria.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Researchers collected vaginal swabs before treatment.
Participants received four oxygen sessions over two weeks; one group also received targeted antibiotic or antifungal treatment for 5 to 7 days.
Researchers collected follow-up vaginal swabs.
News-Medical published its report on the study.
- Participants
- 22 women aged 18 to 45
- Study location
- University Hospital of Modena, Italy
- Study design
- Exploratory, randomized, open-label pilot study
- Group allocation
- 11 participants received oxygen alone; 11 received oxygen plus targeted antimicrobial treatment
- Oxygen treatment
- Above 95% oxygen, delivered at 3 L/min for 20 minutes per session
- Treatment schedule
- Twice weekly for two weeks, for four sessions