Your Guide to Vaginal Microbiome Testing
What is Vaginal Microbiome Testing (VMT)?
VMT is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that gives us a clear picture of your unique microbial diversity (different kinds of microbes) and density (number of microbes) living in your vagina, as well as your vaginal pH. Unlike a standard swab you might get from your GP which usually screens for a few key pathogens, VMT detects a wide range of microbes including Lactobacillus species (beneficial bacteria) and opportunistic microbes like Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida albicans, Ureaplasma, and Streptococcus species. These microbes are typically found in a normal vaginal microbiome; however, when the ecosystem becomes imbalanced, they are given the opportunity to overgrow and can lead to less than desirable symptoms.
Why Test?
If you have been experiencing:
Unusual discharge (e.g., thick or watery, clumpy, grey/yellow/green in colour)
Vaginal discomfort
Abnormal or persistent odour
Itching, redness, or pain
Recurrent thrush or bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Symptoms that don't respond well to treatment or keep coming back
… then a VMT can assist in identifying which specific microbes are contributing to your symptoms and guide targeted treatment.
How Does VMT Work?
Your naturopath will order a VMT kit which arrives to you discreetly. You then complete the self-collected vaginal swab in the comfort of your home. The sample goes back into the provided express post mailer and sent back to the lab. Results will be sent to your practitioner.
How Can a Naturopath Help?
As a naturopath, we can review and interpret your VMT results to create an individualised treatment plan. Treatments may include specific probiotic strains (oral and/or intravaginal), vaginal creams or rinses, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation, dietary/lifestyle advice, and education around sexual hygiene practices. Understanding your vaginal microbiome can empower you to take control of your intimate health. If you're dealing with persistent or recurrent symptoms which are bothering you or having a significant impact on your quality of life, testing could be the missing piece.