Vaginal Microbiome Testing
Your vaginal microbiome is an intricate and vibrant ecosystem of microorganisms that is absolutely vital for your reproductive health. Think of it as a delicate garden where beneficial bacteria, especially lactobacilli, thrive.
These helpful bacteria produce lactic acid, which keeps the vaginal environment slightly acidic (a low pH). This acidity is your body’s natural defence, preventing harmful bacteria and other problematic microbes from taking over.
However, this delicate balance can sometimes be disrupted, leading to various infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Factors like sexual activity, hormonal shifts, and certain medications can all play a role in these changes. These issues in the endometrial lining can negatively impact your fertility, embryo implantation and can stand in the way of a successful pregnancy.
By using menstrual blood instead of a urine biopsy, the Fertilysis Female Microbiome Kit is an at-home, self-collection, non-invasive method of testing that eliminates the need for hospitalisation and biopsies. The pack includes everything you need to collect the samples in the privacy of your own home. If you would rather we collect the samples for you, we can do that too.
These helpful bacteria produce lactic acid, which keeps the vaginal environment slightly acidic (a low pH). This acidity is your body’s natural defence, preventing harmful bacteria and other problematic microbes from taking over.
However, this delicate balance can sometimes be disrupted, leading to various infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Factors like sexual activity, hormonal shifts, and certain medications can all play a role in these changes. These issues in the endometrial lining can negatively impact your fertility, embryo implantation and can stand in the way of a successful pregnancy.
By using menstrual blood instead of a urine biopsy, the Fertilysis Female Microbiome Kit is an at-home, self-collection, non-invasive method of testing that eliminates the need for hospitalisation and biopsies. The pack includes everything you need to collect the samples in the privacy of your own home. If you would rather we collect the samples for you, we can do that too.
Our vaginal microbiome testing looks at several key indicators to give you a comprehensive picture of your vaginal health:
Vaginal pH: Maintaining a slightly acidic vaginal pH is fundamental for keeping your vagina healthy. It’s like having the right soil pH for a garden – it helps keep harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses at bay. If the pH gets too high, it can throw off the bacterial balance and lead to infections like bacterial vaginosis. Conversely, a pH that’s too low might cause irritation and inflammation.
Bacteria are always looking for a chance to multiply, especially if the vaginal environment becomes less acidic. While some of these bacteria are normally present in small amounts, an increase in their population can cause problems. Common examples are frequently linked to bacterial vaginosis – a condition characterised by unusual discharge and a distinct odour.
On the flip side, beneficial bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus species, are crucial guardians of vaginal health. They are the most common friendly bacteria found in the vaginal microbiota and work tirelessly to produce lactic acid, maintaining that vital acidic pH. This helps prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and keeps your microbial balance in check.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): We also test for some of the most common vaginal STIs, which can sometimes present with symptoms that overlap with other vaginal issues. These include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms can vary, but might include unusual vaginal discharge, itching or burning, pain during sex or urination, or sores or lesions on the genitals.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Bacterial vaginosis is a very common vaginal infection that occurs when there’s an imbalance in your vaginal bacteria. It happens when the natural balance of beneficial lactobacilli and other bacteria is disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This can cause symptoms such as a foul-smelling discharge, itching, burning, and discomfort during sex.
Fungal Pathogens (Yeast Infections): Fungal pathogens can also cause vaginal infections, especially if your immune system is a bit weak or your vaginal microbiome is out of balance. While these types fungi normally live harmlessly in your vagina, an overgrowth can lead to familiar symptoms like itching, burning, and a thick, white discharge – commonly known as a yeast infection or thrush.
The results are available within 7 days. We normally recommend a follow-up consultation to discuss the results and next steps.