Vaginal Microbiome

Vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomoniasis (TV), are among the most common reasons for which women seek medical investigation.

Complex ecosystems of microbes reside in the female reproductive tract. The vagina consists of trillions of microorganisms — mostly bacteria, plus some fungi and viruses. A disruption in this ecosystem, usually a deficiency of Lactobacillus and overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, may result in possible infection and unwanted symptoms.

The vagina is home to a complex ecosystem of organisms that may include bacteria, viruses, parasites and yeasts. Some of these organisms are important in keeping us healthy as they act to discourage other potential pathogens from thriving. Disruptions in balance of any of these can lead to infections and/or uncomfortable symptoms. Often infections go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to lack of investigation or inaccurate testing. If left untreated, many of these infections can have serious long term health implications and misdiagnosis leads to incorrect treatment and the high rate of recurrence.

Typical signs and symptoms reported with vaginal infections:

Vaginal discharge change in colour, heaviness, consistency 

Malodorous discharge (foul or fishy odour) 

Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) 

Dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse) 

Post-coital bleeding 

Pain and/or inflammation around or outside vagina  

Dysuria (painful urination) 

Genital lesions/ ulcerations 

Not all infections are symptomatic 

Test Method

Vaginal Swab

Analytes

• pH
• Opportunistic Bacteria
• Viruses/Parasites
• Fungal Pathogens
• Beneficial Bacteria

You might also consider the DUTCH cycle mapping or/and Complete Microbiome Mapping