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Observational study examines microbiome shifts due to condom use in couples, suggesting implications for microbial health.
Condom-protected penile-vaginal sex was associated with minimal genital microbiome changes, whereas condomless penile-vaginal sex among established couples led to extensive exchange of genital microbiota. Most disruptions to the microbiome resolved within 2-3 days, although changes in vaginal pH were associated with longer-lasting increases in Gardnerella abundance. Video Abstract.
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Park et al. (2026) studied this question.
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