Think of it as the immune system to your reproductive tract. It contains good bacteria (lactobacilli) and disruptive microorganisms (yeasts, viruses). A healthy vaginal microbiome is one where the good bacteria keep the disruptive ones in check, preventing them from growing out of control and causing an infection. A balanced microbiome has been linked to a lower risk of vaginal infections, STIs, and reproductive difficulties. Understanding your vaginal microbiome composition can help you better understand and support your vaginal health journey.

The tampon offers a non-invasive, familiar method of obtaining a testing sample that makes the screening experience at home more comfortable and accessible. Further, tampons collect a comprehensive sample from the entirety of the vaginal canal, allowing for more detailed microbiome insights, compared to traditional methods like swabs. The applicator enables smooth insertion in the vagina, and it also helps maintain sample quality during collection.

There are several studies that show the link between having a healthy vaginal microbiome and a lower risk of getting vaginal infections like thrush and BV, a lower risk of contracting STIs, improved fertility and lower risks of miscarriage and pre-term birth, and a lower risk of developing gynaecological cancers. You can find more study references at the bottom of the vaginal microbiome screening page, as well as in your test results.

We will analyse your microbiome for lactobacilli (the good, protective bacteria that support vaginal health), Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella (anaerobic bacteria, linked to bacterial vaginosis), Candida (a yeast, linked to thrush), Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma parvum and urealyticum.

While our screening provides detailed insights into your vaginal microbiome composition, it is not diagnostic. We offer consultations with expert coaches to help interpret your results, PDF reports you can share with healthcare providers and personalized health insights and recommendations. Please note that STI testing and HPV testing are not available in the US.

After your sample reaches our lab, it will be analysed within 5–10 days. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready for review, or if there was an issue with your sample.

After you receive your results, you will be able to book a one-on-one consultations with vetted health coaches and access evidence-based lifestyle recommendations to optimize vaginal health. You'll gain insights into how daily choices like contraception and intimate products affect your microbiome.

We use a testing method called qPCR that's more advanced than traditional lab tests. Instead of having a technician look at samples under a microscope, qPCR automatically measures the exact amounts of different bacteria in your vaginal microbiome. This means we can tell precisely how much of each type of bacteria is present—for instance, whether specific bacteria make up just 1% or 40% of your microbiome. Research shows this automated approach is more reliable than older testing methods because it removes human error and provides more detailed results.

We use certified labs in both the UK and US to test samples and process your results. Our UK partner labs are UKAS and CQC certified, while our US labs are CLIA and CAP certified. We also use validated qPCR panels. These certifications ensure our testing meets high quality standards.

In order to take a sample at least 5 days must have passed since your last period ended. There are a few other requirements: no antibiotics or antifungals in the last 30 days, no douching, penetrative vaginal sex, and vaginally applied meds or creams in the 24 hours before. That will ensure your microbiome is in a stable state and that your results are representative of your usual vaginal environment.

Using the kit at home is super easy — you just need to insert the provided tampon, wear it for at least 20 minutes (and up to 8 hours), and then put it in the pouches you have received in the kit, and ship it back to us in the same box you received initially. We’ve prepared detailed video instructions which you’ll see after completing the test activation questionnaire in your account.

Your kit stays valid for 6 months from purchase date, giving you plenty of time to test when it feels right for you. You can keep the kit at room temperature until then - no special storage needed.

When you are ready to test, just remember these two simple steps:

1. Activate your kit in your account on the day you're taking your sample
2. Follow the packing instructions and send your sample back to us in the original box - we've already put the prepaid return label on it

Have any questions? Our team at hello@yourdaye.com is always here to help!

Right now, we're offering our at-home STI & HPV screening services exclusively in the UK. We know reproductive health doesn't stop at borders though, so we're working hard to bring our tampon-based screening to more countries in the future! If you're outside the UK and interested in our screening service, sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when we launch in your area.

• 2 tampons to take your sample — one to take your sample with and one for backup (double check the expiry date)
• A blue sterile pouch to keep the tampon sample safe from contamination
• A see-through shock-proof pouch to ensure the sample is protected on its way to the lab
• A 10 ml container with a transport medium liquid to protect your sample while on its way to the lab
• Step-by-step instructions on how to do the test + a card with the activation code
• For your convenience, the return label, which you can use to ship your sample back to our partner lab, is already attached to the outside of the box.
  Don’t use the kit if any of these is missing or damaged. Get in touch with our customer care team and we’ll sort it out.

Microbiome screening offers insights into your vaginal health that could help inform your reproductive, menopause or intimate wellness journey. The test measures the balance of beneficial and other bacteria in your vaginal microbiome, which can be valuable if you're interested in understanding your body's natural ecosystem or optimizing your vaginal health.

While this screening isn't routinely offered in standard clinics, it uses advanced technology to give you a detailed picture of your microbiome composition. This knowledge can empower you to make informed lifestyle choices and have more productive conversations with health professionals about your wellness goals.

If you're specifically concerned about acute symptoms or infections, we recommend visiting your healthcare provider for evaluation. They can advise whether additional testing would be beneficial for your individual situation.

Tampons can potentially stretch or tear the hymen, but it's not a guaranteed or common occurrence. The hymen is a thin membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina in some individuals. It can vary in thickness and elasticity from person to person. When inserting a tampon, if done carefully and gently, it typically shouldn't cause  damage to the hymen. However, if a person's hymen is particularly thin or if they have a medical condition called imperforate hymen (where the hymen completely covers the vaginal opening), there is a slightly higher chance of the tampon causing some stretching or tearing.

It's important to note that the hymen can naturally stretch or tear over time due to various activities such as physical activity, horseback riding, gymnastics, or even normal vaginal development. Sexual activity can also impact the hymen, but it's not the only factor in hymen integrity. In many cultures, there is a misconception that an intact hymen is a sign of virginity, but this is not a reliable indicator. Hymens can vary greatly in appearance and resilience, and not all individuals with intact hymens have never engaged in sexual activity.

We recommend avoiding the use of the tampon for vaginal diagnostics for a period of six weeks following vaginal birth. This allows ample time for the body to heal and reduces the risk of potential complications. Please consult with your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your individual situation.

In addition to the postpartum period, we advise against using the tampon if you have any open wounds, sores, or other vaginal irritations. It is essential to prioritize your comfort and well-being, and if you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.

If you experience any discomfort, unusual symptoms, or adverse reactions while using the tampon for vaginal diagnostics, we recommend removing it immediately and consulting with your healthcare provider. Your health and safety are our utmost priority, and it is essential to address any concerns promptly.

Our Vaginal Microbiome Screening specifically detects the relative abundance of Lactobacilli and Anaerobic bacteria as a percentage of all bacteria in the sample. Very high levels of Lactobacilli (>80% of all bacteria) are generally associated with a healthy, balanced microbiome. Increased levels of anaerobic bacteria, such as Gardnerella, Porphyromonas and Prevotella spp. may suggest a disbalanced microbiome, which increases the susceptibility to infections, like bacterial vaginosis (BV). While our screening offers valuable information, it is essential to remember that these results are not diagnostic.

No, our coaches cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe medications. While they can help interpret your screening results and provide guidance on vaginal health, you'll need to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions.

Our diagnostic tampon screening service is only available to people aged 18 and over. This age requirement is in place due to regulatory reasons and because our service is designed for adults who can legally consent to medical screening and handling of sensitive health data without parental permission. The 18+ requirement ensures we're operating within legal and ethical guidelines for healthcare services.

If you're under 18, we recommend visiting your GP or a local sexual health clinic where appropriate services for young people are available. Many sexual health clinics offer free and confidential services specifically designed for teenagers.

All Daye products are now FSA and HSA reimbursable!

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are smart ways to save on healthcare expenses. FSAs are employer-sponsored accounts that let you use pre-tax dollars for medical costs, typically with a "use-it-or-lose-it" policy within the plan year. HSAs, available for those with high-deductible health plans, offer more flexibility as funds roll over annually and can serve as a long-term health savings tool.

Using these accounts for Daye products brings multiple benefits: you'll enjoy tax savings, can better budget for health expenses, and get immediate savings on your purchases. It's simple to take advantage of – just pay with your FSA/HSA card at checkout or submit your Daye receipt for reimbursement.

Daye makes it easy to use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds for our health-conscious products. At checkout, simply select the "Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" option. Then, enter your FSA or HSA card details and complete your purchase as you normally would.

For certain items classified as "dual use" an additional step may be required. These products sometimes need verification of eligibility for FSA/HSA spending. In such cases, you'll be guided through a brief telehealth consultation via chat. This quick process ensures compliance with FSA/HSA regulations while allowing you to access the full range of Daye's offerings.

Whether you're purchasing our organic period care, Diagnostic Tampons, or virtual consultations, you're making a tax-advantaged investment in your personal care. By streamlining the FSA/HSA payment process, Daye aims to make your journey to better health as smooth and accessible as possible.

In this case, you have added a subscription product to your cart, which we currently don't support along with the HSA/FSA payment platform. Reach out to support@yourdaye.com if you think there is an error and we will resolve the issue on your behalf.