What Is Vaginal Microbiome Testing?

Understanding our bodies is crucial to maintaining good health, and for women and AFAB people, one of the vital aspects is the vaginal microbiome. 

Learn more about how testing your vaginal microbiome can give you invaluable insights into your health. 

What is the vaginal microbiome?

The vaginal microbiome is like a bustling, complex community of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and more) that live in the vagina. The vaginal microbiome is usually dominated by good bacteria such as Lactobacillus species, which produce lactic acid to keep a low (acidic) vaginal pH to protect against harmful bacteria and infections.

Although research on the vaginal microbiome is still emerging, we've known for a while that having a healthy vaginal microbiome is crucial for optimal vaginal health. It helps prevent infections, reduces inflammation, and supports reproductive functions — so, it's a pretty essential piece of the puzzle.

But when there's an imbalance (known as vaginal dysbiosis), with harmful bacteria outnumbering the good ones, it can lead to issues like bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

These imbalances can cause symptoms such as unusual discharge, odor, itching, and discomfort. Plus, a disrupted vaginal microbiome has been linked to complications such as infertility, STI acquisition, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and even a higher risk of cancer.

How does vaginal microbiome testing work?

Vaginal microbiome tests involve collecting a sample from the vagina, which is then analyzed to identify the types and quantities of bacteria present. The testing process typically includes the following steps:

1. Sample collection: A swab is used to collect a sample from the vaginal wall. This can be done at home or by a healthcare provider.
2. Laboratory analysis: The sample is sent to a laboratory where DNA sequencing technologies are used to identify and quantify the bacterial species present.
3. Results interpretation: The results provide a detailed profile of the vaginal microbiome, highlighting the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria.

Why is vaginal microbiome testing useful?

Vaginal microbiome tests can be a valuable tool for women's health, providing several key benefits that contribute to both short-term and long-term well-being. Here’s why testing your vaginal microbiome can be useful:

• Preventive care: Keeping an eye on the health of your vaginal microbiome can help catch any imbalances before they cause any problems. By catching these early, you can take steps like making lifestyle changes or taking probiotic supplements to keep the bacteria balanced and prevent infections.
• Personalized health insights: Every woman's vaginal microbiome is unique. It's influenced by factors such as genetics, sexual activity, hormone levels, and hygiene practices. Getting tested can give you personalized insights into how these factors affect your vaginal health. With this information, you can make informed decisions about your daily habits and healthcare choices to support your vaginal microbiome.
• Reproductive health: Having a balanced vaginal microbiome is crucial for good reproductive health. Dysbiosis has been linked to pregnancy complications (like giving birth too early or having a low birth weight baby), fertility issues, and failed IVF cycles. By testing your vaginal microbiome, you can figure out what changes you might need to make to give yourself the best chance of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.
• Management of recurrent infections: For women dealing with chronic bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, getting your vaginal microbiome tested can really make a difference. It helps you keep track of your condition and find better ways to manage recurrent symptoms. By doing this, you can improve your quality of life and reduce the number of flare-ups you experience.

Sexual health: The vaginal microbiome plays a role in protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria, the vagina is better equipped to defend against pathogens. Vaginal microbiome testing can help identify imbalances that might increase susceptibility to STIs, allowing for preventive measures to be taken. Not to mention, you can also test for four of the most common STIs with Evvy!

How to test your vaginal microbiome with Evvy

Evvy offers the most comprehensive vaginal microbiome test on the market. The Evvy Vaginal Health Test screens for 700+ bacteria and fungi commonly found in the urinary and vaginal microbiomes — with just one swab. The list includes some of the most common microbes, including Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Lactobacillus crispatus, Ureaplasma spp, and hundreds more.

All other vaginal microbiome tests, including traditional methods or other tests available online, use a technology (called either PCR or 16s) that screens for a predefined and limited list of microbes.

Evvy's is the world's first and only CLIA, CAP, and CLEP-certified vaginal microbiome test to use metagenomics, a state-of-the-art technology that sequences the whole genome of all microbes present. That means you don’t have to order several tests to get a good picture of what’s up down there — just one.

If you add our Expanded PCR Panel to your Vaginal Health Test, you'll also receive results for four STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium), 10 antibiotics resistances, and microbial load for 11 common microbes.

Here’s how you can test your vaginal microbiome with Evvy:

1. Order the test kit: Order an Evvy Vaginal Health Test, either as a one-off test or a membership, and select whether you’d like an add-on STI and PCR testing. 
2. Take the sample: Once you receive the kit, follow the provided instructions to collect a vaginal swab sample. The process is simple and can be done in the privacy of your home.
3. Send the sample: Place the swab in the container provided and mail it back to Evvy’s CLIA, CLEP, and CAP-certified lab using the prepaid shipping label.
4. Get your test results: You will receive a detailed report on your vaginal microbiome profile within just a few days. The report will highlight the levels of various fungi and bacteria, including beneficial Lactobacillus and any harmful bacteria present.
5. Follow-up: Along with your results, Evvy provides personalized insights and a custom plan of action to help you maintain or restore a healthy vaginal microbiome, along with a free 1:1 session with one of our certified health coaches and access to our exclusive Support Community. Eligible users can also receive personalized prescription treatments with Evvy's Clinical Care platform.