Your gynae health, deciphered

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 correlation 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 analyze 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 yeast infection), Mycoplasma hominis 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 analyzed 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 CE-marked PCR 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.

Microbiome Testing 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.

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!

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.

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.