When you buy a condom, you probably assume it has been tested to make sure it's compatible with vaginal health.
Surprisingly, while condoms must meet strict safety and performance standards, manufacturers are not required to test their impact on the vaginal microbiome.
At MyBliss, we believed that needed to change.
That's why we partnered with vaginal microbiome researchers to investigate whether MyBliss condoms affect the natural balance of bacteria that help keep the vagina healthy. The results were reassuring.
Why Does the Vaginal Microbiome Matter?
The vaginal microbiome is the community of bacteria that naturally lives in the vagina.
A healthy microbiome is typically dominated by beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus, which help maintain a healthy vaginal environment and support overall vaginal health.
This matters because vaginal health concerns are incredibly common. In our recent survey of women across the UK, 54% reported recurrent UTIs and 48% reported recurrent thrush. Many women also told us that vaginal health is one of the most important factors they consider when choosing sexual wellness products.
What Did We Find?
Our study found that MyBliss condoms:
- Do not disrupt vaginal microbiome diversity
- Maintain a healthy, Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome
- Preserve key protective Lactobacillus species
- Do not promote bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria
- Maintain vaginal microbiome stability
In simple terms, the vaginal microbiome remained stable after using MyBliss condoms.
Why This Matters
Women told us they want products designed with vaginal health in mind. Yet microbiome testing is not currently part of standard condom certification.
We're proud to have invested in independent research to better understand how our products interact with the vaginal environment.
Because protection shouldn't come at the expense of vaginal health.
Study conducted with healthy adult women using vaginal microbiome sequencing before and after condom use. Results showed no significant disruption to microbiome diversity, community structure, or beneficial Lactobacillus species.