If you Google at-home vaginal microbiometests,Jin Seo you'll be met with seemingly endless options, some from the drugstore and others with chic millennial branding. They seem to be having a moment, with more and more tests popping up on the market similar to at-home STI testing.
But what are vaginal biome tests for, and do we need these at-home tests? We asked gynecological experts to find out.
The vaginal microbiome, or vaginal flora, is a complex ecosystem of bacteria that's unique to each person, said Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG (Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), board-certified in OB/GYN and founder of supplement company HPD Rx.
Vaginal microbiome tests determine whether you have infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis (aka yeast infections), or other issues, Swarup said. Changes in the microbiome are due to age and hormonal disruptions, and by examining the vaginal microbiome you can determine if those disruptions are causing a problem.
"The vaginal microbiome plays a key role in genital tract infections that can lead to pain, decrease in quality of life, sexual dysfunction, and low body image," said gynecologist Kyler Silver,MD, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center.
According to Swarup, 75 percent of people with vaginas will experience an episode of conditions like BV, trichomoniasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis at least once in their life.
Both Swarup and Silver said that vaginal microbiome tests are performed in their respective practices.
"Our clinics at UT Southwestern Medical Center perform a number of tests for both infections and normal vaginal flora," Silver explained. "These tests are quality assured for accuracy and reproducibility."
Currently, there's no support by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for the use of these at-home tests, Silver said, as they aren't evidence-based nor do they have a clear post-test treatment course. ACOG confirmed to Mashable that there's no clinical evidence to support their use.
"We recommend that women reach out to their health provider to discuss concerns about their vaginal microbiome regulation," Silver advised.
Swarup concurred, saying that testing the vaginal microbiome requires expertise of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Not only do patients benefit from expert guidance to properly administer the test and interpret the results, but they'll also know the best course for treatment.
While it may seem like the easier option, forego the chic-branded home test and go to the doctor's office.
Previous：Russia’s Zombie Election
Next：The Banality of Good
New Atheism’s Idiot Heirs
The Star Wars clue hiding in these 'Last Jedi' tweets
Antarctica just shed a Manhattan
'For Honor' fans debating whether or not it's cool to gang up on people: Yes it is
Beyond Strategy
ProtectPax 'liquid glass' claims to toughen up your iPhone display
Aflac says cyberattack may have exposed customer data
Norma Cook, the 89
International Man of Monocracy
PewDiePie apologizes for anti
Boys to Men
Using Microsoft Word with the MacBook Pro Touch Bar is pretty cool
Revealed: What really happened to Star Wars' most hated character
You may hate me but, you shouldn't get too excited about an *NSYNC reunion
Our Refugees
No, you shouldn't be allowed to fix your own phone, 'Right
This spreadsheet full of texts people want to send to their exes is really something special
Apple TV might get 4K video streaming, but it'll still lag behind
Weekly Bafflements
List lovers rejoice, wearing Post
Professor brings her kid to class dressed as Godzilla and everyone loved itHBO's 'McMillions' premiere will leave you hungry for more: ReviewThere's a new Poco phone out, but it's kinda boringOne of John Krasinski’s ‘perfect’ cold opens in ‘The Office’ was accidentalProfessor brings her kid to class dressed as Godzilla and everyone loved itNo prizes for guessing why this clip of a girl singing into a well has gone viralDr. Doofenshmirtz of 'Phineas and Ferb' sings 'Bad Guy': Watch'Through the Darkest of Times' review: A warning from the pastHere are the funniest reactions to Kendall Jenner's terrible 'woke' Pepsi adHackers can hijack Philips Hue smart bulbs to take over your homeOwner gives adorable 3Bella Hadid explains why she is 'proud to be a Muslim'Nevada will no longer use app from Iowa caucus meltdown (UPDATE)Little girl shuts down a salesperson who asks her to choose a different dollMama alligator leads her 16 babies across a golf course, because FloridaSomeone tried to mail a box of deadly horrors to Australia, and geez it's creepyThe internet wants to grind Baby Nut into peanut butter for Baby YodaApple News' 2020 election hub shows promise despite a few misstepsMotorola's foldable Razr leaks in gold, multiplying the bling factor by infinityAnimal sanctuary puts out open call for volunteer pig cuddlers The spirit of the Olympic Games captured in one selfie Tesla pulls useless 'Full Self Apple design chief Jony Ive gives rare interview, talks about Apple Watch and more The search is on to find the couple captured in stunning Yosemite proposal photo Selma Blair opened up about her life with multiple sclerosis BepiColombo launches to Mercury on Friday Ellen tweets topless photo of Michael B. Jordan to Naomi Osaka, things escalate Actor behind Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch is retiring and Twitter is emotional Why I’m only reading books by women this year In all seriousness though, would you wear these nose warmers? The iPhone XR is now available for pre Someone stole a van full of Krispy Kreme doughnuts Maisie Williams was alone in her final 'Game of Thrones' scene Google uses dogs playing poker to combat harassment in virtual reality Law allowing Uber, Lyft drivers to unionize upheld in Seattle Trump has 'the best words,' he's just 'not articulate' An epic 'Game of Thrones' reunion is coming your way Twitter quietly fired a suspected Saudi Arabian spy, report says 9 of the best gifts for your little scientist Gifts for people who love historical dramas like 'Downton Abbey'
2.5777s , 8222.609375 kb
Copyright © 2025 Powered by 【Jin Seo】,Wisdom Convergence Information Network