Improving vaginal health for transgender men on testosterone
Official title: Assessing and Promoting Vaginal Health for Transgender Men on Testosterone: A Mixed Methods Study
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10947965 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how testosterone therapy affects the vaginal health of transgender men, with the goal of finding ways to improve their sexual health and healthcare experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $158,085 |
| NIH project number | 1K23AI185322-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947965 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are transgender men aged 21 and older who are currently on testosterone therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have undergone bottom surgery and no longer have a vagina may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and enhancing the vaginal health of transgender men who are undergoing testosterone therapy. It aims to identify the negative effects of testosterone on vaginal health, such as thinning of the vaginal lining and increased risk of infections. By using a mixed methods approach, the study will gather both qualitative and quantitative data to better assess and address the unique sexual health needs of this underserved population. The goal is to develop community-informed strategies that improve healthcare experiences and outcomes for transgender men.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved sexual health services and outcomes for transgender men, reducing health disparities in this population.
How similar studies have gone: While research on transgender health is growing, this specific focus on vaginal health in transgender men is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Gerwen, Olivia Telle — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Van Gerwen, Olivia Telle
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.