Menopausal Vaginal Microbiome

Inclusion Criteria

• •Women who are females from birth
• •Women between 40-70 years old
• •Women that are US residents, understand, and speak English
• •Women of all race and ethnicities
• •Women that are postmenopausal (at least 12 consecutive months without a period)
• •Women with a naturally occuring menopause
• •Women willing to abstain from all sexual activity, feminine hygiene products (eg. douches, wipes, washes, sprays, powders, moisturizers/lubricants, deodorant suppositories, tablet suppositories, anti-itch creams, hot tubs) on the vaginal area, and any vaginal suppositories for 48 hours before sampling
• •Women who are healthy (without GSM)
• •Women who have GSM:
• •1. with formal diagnosis of GSM, or
• •2. who regularly experience a couple of the following symptoms: (i) vaginal dryness, vaginal burning, vaginal discharge \& genital itching, vaginal irritation, (ii) light bleeding, discomfort or pain during or after intercourse, decreased lubrication during intercourse, decreased arousal, orgasm, libido, (iii) painful or difficult urination (dysuria), urinary frequency and urgency, recurrent UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections).
• •Women who either take or do not take HRT, including estrogen-only medicines, combination of estrogen/progestin medicines, combination of estrogen/other medicines.