Several labs offer at home vaginal microbiome lab test. These include:
Lab tests to check the status of your vaginal health are available but can be costly, generally ranging from $100 to $150 each. These tests are most useful if you're unsure about your condition or if you want to confirm whether any issues have resolved or recurred.
If the status of your condition is clear to you based on symptoms, you might not need a lab test. For guidance on understanding your symptoms, you may find this resource helpful: How do I know if my condition has cleared?
If you decide to proceed with a lab test, consider timing it effectively. The menstrual cycle can influence the vaginal microbiome, so it's generally recommended to conduct the test after your period has concluded. This timing helps ensure the results reflect your typical microbiome status rather than temporary changes due to your cycle.
If you are using any medications or treatments like antibiotics or vaginal health products, it’s advisable to wait at least one week after the last application before testing. This allows time for any residual substances to diminish, which can help ensure the test results more accurately reflect the natural state of your microbiome.
DNA tests are precise in identifying the presence of bacteria but do not differentiate between live and dead bacteria. Thus, if you've recently completed treatment, it's important to allow a sufficient period for your body to flush out treated bacteria before testing. This helps prevent the test from counting bacteria that are no longer active.
NeuEve's balm cream is formulated without ingredients that inhibit bacteria, so it does not require a pause before testing.
Regarding laboratory choices for vaginal microbiome testing, we recommend Juno. Juno utilizes next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, which not only provides data on bacterial load but also shows the relative abundance of each bacterial type. NeuEve customers may also benefit from a group discount offered by Juno.
Juno Lab offers a group discount to NeuEve customers
Note: If you are considering a microbiome test, it's advisable to wait at least one week or until after your next menstrual period has concluded. Additionally, rushing into a lab test before completing a recommended 3-month period of maintaining personal care practices may not provide the most accurate reflection of your ongoing vaginal health. While negative lab test results can be reassuring, maintaining consistent personal care practices is important for supporting overall vaginal health. For best results, consider delaying your lab test until after you've completed the recommended 3-month period.
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Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is about natural products, nutrients, and/or alternative methods for managing discomforts associated with vaginal dysbiosis (imbalance of microbiome, not a true infection or disease). It is not medical advice for the treatment of any diseases.