The Isala project was launched on March 24, 2020. We were looking for 200 vaginas to write history, and found almost 6000! For the first time ever, we mapped the vaginal microbiome in Flanders on a large scale and found various lifestyle and environmental factors that influence the vaginal microbiome. The Isala train rode further and 250 women took vaginal, skin and saliva samples throughout 2 menstrual cycles.
In our new phase, we are looking for more than 1,000 women who want to help us investigate the influence of vitamins, menstrual products, the menstrual cycle, your loved ones and yeast infections on the vaginal microbiome. Below you will find more information about our ongoing studies. You can participate if you are over 18 years old, not pregnant and live in Belgium.
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The Isala sisterhood: What is our global understanding of the healthy vaginal microbiome?
Discover the study: The Isala sisterhood: What is our global understanding of the healthy vaginal microbiome?Currently, there is no consensus on the healthy human microbiome composition, this gap also includes the vaginal niche. Although we know that lactobacilli are good for vaginal health based on studies done in women from high-income countries, little is known on how the vaginal microbiome looks like in women from other parts of the world, specifically from low middle-income countries.
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How does fasting during Ramadan affect your vaginal and gut microbiome?
Discover the study: How does fasting during Ramadan affect your vaginal and gut microbiome?Did you know that what you eat not only affects your gut microbiome but may also influence your vaginal microbiome? In this daughter study of Isala, we investigate the impact of Ramadan fasting on both the vaginal and gut microbiome, and how they interact with each other.
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Which menstrual product is good for your vaginal health?
Discover the study: Which menstrual product is good for your vaginal health?Did you know that there is very little research on the influence of menstrual hygiene products on the female body? Striking, since a single woman uses up to 15.000 menstrual hygiene products in her lifetime! In a new Isala daughter project we study the role of menstrual hygiene products on the intimate microbiome.
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Let’s fight vaginal yeast infections together!
Discover the study: Let’s fight vaginal yeast infections together!Did you know that vaginal yeast infections can affect your vaginal microbiome? In a new Isala daughter project, you can learn about your vaginal microbiome in case you have a vaginal yeast infection.
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Do you share vaginal bacteria with your loved ones?
Discover the study: Do you share vaginal bacteria with your loved ones?Did you know that your bacteria are transferred to people around you? In a new Isala daughter project, you and your loved ones get to learn about your intimate microbiome. A unique opportunity to contribute to new insights into the role of social networks on the microbiome!
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A new compass for your menstrual cycle?
Discover the study: A new compass for your menstrual cycle?Did you know that your vaginal discharge (or cervical mucus) changes throughout your menstrual cycle? In a new Isala daughter project, you get to discover which proteins are responsible for this and get to know your vaginal microbiome!
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Vitamins for your vaginal health?
Discover the study: Vitamins for your vaginal health?Did you know that you can positively influence your microbiome by taking vitamins? In a new Isala daughter project, you can get to know both your vaginal and gut microbiome while testing the effect of taking vitamins!