Understanding Vaginal Microbiome Testing
A Game-Changer for Chronic UTIs, BV, Fertility and Yeast Infections
Vaginal health is an essential - yet often overlooked - aspect of overall wellbeing.
For many women, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis (BV), chronic yeast infections, and even unexplained fertility challenges can be frustrating, painful, and emotionally draining. Despite multiple rounds of treatment, symptoms often return, leaving people feeling disempowered and unsure where to turn next.
Traditional approaches to treating vaginal infections usually involve antifungal creams, antibiotics, or over-the-counter products. While these may provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the root cause. Repeated antibiotic use can further disrupt the microbiome, creating a cycle of recurrent infections, inflammation, and resistance.
In fertility care, the vaginal microbiome is rarely assessed, yet research shows it may play a role in:
Sperm motility
Embryo implantation
Early pregnancy maintenance
This is where vaginal microbiome testing is changing the game.
What Is the Vaginal Microbiome?
The vaginal microbiome refers to the community of microorganism - mainly bacteria and some yeast - that naturally live in the vagina. When in balance, this ecosystem supports vaginal health, helps prevent infections, maintains an optimal pH, and plays a role in immune defense and fertility.
A healthy vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by Lactobacillus species, which help maintain an acidic environment (low pH) that protects against pathogens. However, this balance can be disrupted by antibiotics, hormonal fluctuations, diet, hygiene products, sexual activity, and stress, leading to overgrowths of unfriendly bacteria or yeast.
How Vaginal Microbiome Testing Helps
This advanced DNA-based test provides a personalised snapshot of your vaginal health. The test identifies the specific bacteria and yeast present in the vaginal environment - including overgrowths, deficiencies in protective species, and the presence of hidden pathogens. This then allows our practitioners create treatment plans that include very targeted dietary changes and supplementation protocols.
It identifies:
Identifying hidden imbalances that contribute to recurring BV, UTIs, and thrush
Detecting low levels of protective Lactobacilli, which are essential for pH balance and defense
Assessing microbial diversity and overgrowths of potentially harmful species
Understanding links to fertility issues, including implantation failure and unexplained infertility
Inflammation or immune activation that may not cause obvious symptoms
What Does Vaginal Microbiome Test Measure?
Using quantitative PCR technology, the test provides data on:
Protective Bacteria:
Levels of various Lactobacillus species, which support healthy pH and prevent infections
Pathogenic Organisms:
Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium, Mobiluncus (often linked to BV)
Candida albicans, C. glabrata (yeast overgrowth)
Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia trachomatis (low-grade or asymptomatic infections)
Immune and Inflammatory Markers:
Lactoferrin, Secretory IgA – indicators of immune response and local inflammation
Vaginal pH – a key marker of microbial balance
Restoring The Microbiome
Once testing identifies the imbalances, our practitioner create a tailored treatment plan to restore the microbiome. This may include:
Targeted probiotics designed specifically for vaginal health
Prebiotics and dietary changes to nourish beneficial bacteria
Support for immune regulation and inflammation
Herbal or antimicrobial strategies where needed
Addressing contributing factors like gut health, stress, or hormonal imbalances
Who Should Consider This Test?
Vaginal Microbiome Testing is ideal for those experiencing:
Recurrent UTIs or thrush
Chronic or antibiotic-resistant BV
Vaginal discomfort, odour, itching, or discharge
Infertility or miscarriage with no clear cause
HPV persistence or abnormal Pap smears
