Evvy offers the world's most comprehensive at-home vaginal microbiome tests, but since 2023, we've included the option to add an Expanded PCR Panel to your Vaginal Health Test.

Whether you want to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or antibiotic resistance, or need faster results, the Expanded PCR Panel is the way to go.

We run all these additional tests using the same sample you send us for your Vaginal Health Test. That means it’s still just one simple at-home swab. The only difference is that our Expanded PCR Panel uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, which is fantastic at pinpointing specific microbes even when they're present at very low levels.

So, why should you choose the Expanded PCR Panel?

You want to test for STIs

Whether you’ve just had a one-night stand, are exploring a new relationship, or just want to keep up with your routine STI tests, Evvy’s Expanded PCR Panel has you covered. It tests for four common STIs:

When done correctly, at-home STI tests are as accurate as those done at a clinic. The only difference is that you get to collect your sample from the comfort of your own home. While no test is perfect, studies show that at-home kits have about a 90% accuracy rate, similar to tests done by healthcare professionals.

Plus, research has shown that at-home STI tests encourage more people to get tested, which is crucial for curbing the spread of infections. So not only are these tests reliable, but they also make it easier for you to stay on top of your sexual health.

And if you want to stay extra proactive, consider getting an Evvy Membership. You can have our at-home STI test delivered right to your door every three months — perfect for those navigating non-monogamous relationships.

You want to test for Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma

Ureaplasma or Mycoplasma (known as Molliculites) are known as “commensal” bacteria, which means they’re often present in the vaginal flora of healthy women in very low amounts without causing issues. 

They’re generally harmless when living in balance with other bacteria in the body because your immune system and vaginal microbiome typically keep it in check. However, they can become problematic when they’re in the presence of other disruptive bacteria. 

Many women (including in the Evvy community) feel like Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma are at the root of their symptoms, and those experiences are entirely valid. We know it can be very frustrating to deal with non-stop symptoms only to be told "your labs came back normal." Testing for Molliculites with Evvy’s Extended PCR Panel can give you extra insight into your vaginal microbiome, and potentially get to the bottom of recurring symptoms when all your other lab tests look “normal”.

Recurrent symptoms? Get Evvy's at-home vaginal microbiome test, designed by leading OB-GYNs.
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You want to test for antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria evolve to resist antibiotics, the medicines we use to treat some infections. If you've ever struggled with chronic bacterial vaginosis (BV) or urinary tract infections (UTIs), you know how frustrating it can be to go through a cycle of antibiotics. They might work for a while, but often, the symptoms come back with a vengeance.

While antibiotics can be very effective, using them too often can affect how bacteria evolve. When they come into contact with medicines that are meant to stop or kill them, it pushes them to adapt because their survival is at stake. This is a natural process where some bacteria, over time, can develop resistance to the very drugs we depend on.

While most bacteria won’t survive, a few will manage to evolve and find ways to resist the antibiotics we use against them. Understanding this process can help us use antibiotics more wisely, which is key when dealing with chronic vaginal infections.

One approach to consider is limiting the use of antibiotics. This means only using antibiotics when we really need them, instead of taking them "just in case" or when we’re not sure which bacteria are causing the infection. Your healthcare provider can suggest alternative treatments for chronic infections by knowing whether you have specific antibiotic resistance.  

Evvy’s Expanded PCR Panel tests for 11 of the most common antibiotic resistances: 

  • Aminoglycoside
  • Bactrim
  • Beta-lactam
  • Carbapenem
  • Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase CTX-M
  • Macrolide
  • Methicillin
  • Quinolone
  • Tetracycline
  • Vancomycin.

You want to know your microbial load

Your vaginal microbiome is a bustling community teeming with various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The term "microbial load" refers to the number and types of these tiny organisms living in your vagina.

Understanding your microbial load can give you valuable insights into your vaginal health. It’s important to remember that having certain microorganisms is normal — the vaginal microbiome is home to millions of them. However, when specific pathogens start to overpopulate, you might notice some symptoms.

By keeping an eye on your microbial load with Evvy’s Extended PCR Panel, you can find out if any microorganisms are present in unusual amounts. This information can be super helpful for figuring out whether your total counts of bacteria and fungi fall within a healthy range. It can also assist healthcare providers in diagnosing conditions like bacterial vaginosis, cytolytic vaginosis (CV), and yeast infections.

You want a faster turnaround

One of the benefits of testing with Evvy is the ability to do it from the comfort of your own home — no need to make an appointment and sit in a doctor’s waiting room. With the Extended PCR Panel, you can receive preliminary results in as little as one to three business days. 

What if you don’t fit these criteria?

Not to worry, Evvy's standard Vaginal Health Test can still offer invaluable insight into your microbiome, and help you get to the bottom of recurring symptoms — testing for over 700 fungi and bacteria. 

Alongside a helpful breakdown of your results reviewed by a physician, Evvy offers you end-to-end clinical care. You’ll receive a personalized action plan and a free one-on-one coaching session so you can really understand your results. If you’re eligible, you can also receive prescription treatment programs through our Clinical Care platform. An Evvy-affiliated healthcare provider will design a customized treatment plan based on your unique test results, which may include both prescription medications and research-backed supplements. 

The Evvy Vaginal Health Test is also the world’s first and only CLIA-validated metagenomic vaginal microbiome test. It’s performed at a lab certified not only by the CLIA (The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) but by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP), too. We also published our methods and validation in a peer-reviewed publication. The lab director and a provider also review the test results.