Evvy vs Juno

The vaginal microbiome is finally starting to get the attention it deserves, and with the limelight come a variety of companies offering at-home vaginal microbiome tests. Two of these are Evvy and Juno Bio. 

If you’ve ever wondered how one compares to the other, keep reading. Below we give you the full lowdown between Evvy vs Juno Bio’s tests.

What is a vaginal microbiome test?

A vaginal microbiome test is a tool used to analyze the types and quantities of microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi) present in the vaginal environment. The vaginal microbiome consists of a complex community of these microorganisms, which play a critical role in maintaining vaginal health. 

An imbalance in this microbiome can lead to various health issues, including infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and even an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and fertility issues.

Most at-home vaginal microbiome tests are fairly straightforward: 

1. Sample collection: A sample of vaginal fluid is collected, typically using a swab that is gently inserted into the vagina. This sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
2. Analysis: In the lab, the DNA of the microorganisms in the sample is extracted and analyzed. This often involves techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify and quantify the different species of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms present.
3. Results: The test results usually include a detailed breakdown of the microbial composition. This might highlight the presence of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus species, which are typically dominant in a healthy vaginal microbiome, as well as any potentially harmful bacteria or fungi.

For women experiencing unexplained vaginal symptoms like itching, odor, burning, or unusual discharge, a vaginal microbiome test can help identify the underlying cause. The results can also guide healthcare providers in selecting the most effective treatment to restore a healthy balance of microorganisms.

Not all vaginal microbiome tests are made equal, and the best option for you depends on a few factors. 

Evvy vs Juno

At face value, Evvy and Juno’s tests both work in the same way: 

• You order the test online and receive a testing kit in the mail
• Take a simple vaginal swab
• Use the box in your kit to send it to the lab.
• Access your results on your private dashboard and book in a 1:1 with our vaginal coach.

So, why choose Evvy? 

Accuracy

Both Evvy and Juno use a type of technology called next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze tests. Unlike PCR tests, which often only provide yes or no results, NGS gives more detailed information.

However, there are differences in the type of NGS technology. Juno used something called 16s, while Evvy uses metagenomics.

16s is a step up from PCR, but the downside is that it can only pick up bacteria, not the fungi that cause yeast infections. 16S tests also only look at one part of the genome (rather than all of the DNA), so it can't accurately tell apart the different microbes. And when it comes to vaginal health, the species of bacteria present in your microbiome can make a whole lot of difference.

Shotgun metagenomics is the most comprehensive technology available for analyzing the vaginal microbiome. It can accurately pick up and categorize all bacteria and fungi present. It can even find new microbes that weren't explicitly being searched for (including ones missed by traditional testing).

How effective a technology is also depends on why you're testing your microbiome. If you want to know if a single specific bacteria is present in your vagina, even at the lowest amounts, PCR is a good choice. But if you're interested in looking at your vaginal microbiome as a whole, a test that uses metagenomics is the better option as it can give you a more complete picture. You don't always need to choose between the two, though! For instance, Evvy offers the option to add an Expanded PCR Panel to our metagenomic Vaginal Health Test — so you can get the best of both worlds with just one swab.

STIs and antibiotic resistance

Another difference between Evvy and Juno is that Evvy’s Expanded PCR Panel gives you the option to screen for four of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as 11 antibiotic resistances — all in one swab. This allows you to get to the bottom of your symptoms even further, test for STIs, and figure out what treatment is better suited for you.  

Follow-up care 

While both Evvy and Juno offer a one-to-one call with a coach to discuss your test results, only Evvy provides end-to-end clinical care. 

For eligible users, Evvy offers comprehensive, custom prescription treatment programs. Our healthcare providers will create a personalized plan tailored to your results and medical history, which may consist of prescription medication, research-backed supplements, and next steps. Plus, our partner pharmacy specially formulates each prescription with top-quality medical-grade ingredients you can't find over the counter. 

Certifications

Certifications show that the lab a company uses to process your test meets quality standards and follows regulations. A certified lab ensures that your tests are handled properly and your medical data is safe. 

That’s why Evvy's is the only vaginal microbiome test performed at a lab certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP).

A lot of at-home vaginal microbiome tests on the market aren’t designed for clinical use and are therefore marketed as a "wellness test". If you want to use test results for treatment or other clinical follow-ups, make sure to order a CLIA/CAP certified test designed for clinical use. 

Pricing

Last but not least, the pricing is a major difference between Evvy and Juno. A single Juno test costs $149, while an Evvy test costs $129. 

Evvy also offers the option of an annual membership that gives you more bang for your buck — four tests per year priced at $99 each. 

FAQ

Are Evvy tests accurate? 

Yes! That's because Evvy uses a type of next-generation sequencing (NGS) called metagenomics. Metagenomic sequencing is the most accurate technology for testing the vaginal microbiome. With a sensitivity of 93.1% and specificity of 90%, the Evvy test can accurately identify all bacteria and fungi present, and it can even uncover new microbes that traditional tests might miss. 

How much does the Evvy test cost? 

A single vaginal microbiome test is $129. Evvy’s annual membership is $99 per test, shipped four times yearly, every three months.