Daye At-Home Vaginal Microbiome Screening

Think of it as the immune system to your reproductive tract. It contains good bacteria (lactobacilli) and disruptive microorganisms (yeasts, viruses). A healthy vaginal microbiome is one where the good bacteria keep the disruptive ones in check, preventing them from growing out of control and causing an infection. A balanced microbiome has been linked to a lower risk of vaginal infections, STIs, and reproductive difficulties. Understanding your vaginal microbiome composition can help you better manage your gynaecological health.

The tampon offers a non-invasive, familiar method of obtaining a testing sample that makes the screening experience at home more comfortable and accessible. Further, tampons collect a comprehensive sample from the entirety of the vaginal canal, allowing for greater accuracy compared to traditional methods like swabs. The applicator enables smooth insertion in the vagina, and it also prevents the tampon from being contaminated during insertion.

There are several studies that show the correlation between having a healthy vaginal microbiome and a lower risk of getting vaginal infections like thrush and BV, a lower risk of contracting STIs, improved fertility and lower risks of miscarriage and pre-term birth, and a lower risk of developing gynaecological cancers.

You should always speak with your physician before committing to purchasing a diagnostic test. However, not all physicians are experts in the vaginal microbiome or have time to keep on top of the latest research (for example, did you know that Bacterial Vaginosis was only recognised as an STI in 2021?)

The Daye Vaginal microbiome screening uses novel, PCR-based technologies, and the interpretation of their data are informed by modern clinical studies, which can give you additional, richer insights into what's happening with your gynaecological health. Keep in mind it can take a while (usually 10-15 years) for new research to be put into medical practice, so don’t be surprised if your doctor hasn’t heard of the vaginal microbiome yet.

Don’t let that stop you from taking charge of your health, especially if you’re experiencing recurrent infections or trying to conceive.

Daye will analyse your microbiome for lactobacilli (the good, protective bacteria), Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella (anaerobic bacteria, linked to bacterial vaginosis), Candida (a yeast linked to thrush), Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma parvum and urealyticum, commonly linked to reproductive difficulties and vaginal infections. Daye's test would be able to tell you the total amount of the above microorganisms that were found in your sample, but would not identify the specific species.

Daye's test can help you undertsnad what microrgnisms live in your vaginal microbiome. We will also give you access to vetted specialists who could review your screening results and diagnose a condition. You can also always export a PDF of your results to send to your own doctor.

It's important to note that Daye's service provides a diagnostics indication based on the tests conducted, but it does not provide a definite medical diagnosis.

After your sample reaches Daye's lab, it will be analysed within 5–15 days. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready for review, or if there was an issue with your sample.

After you receive your results, you will be able to book a consultation with a vetted specialist and order medication (subject to additional costs and availability). Daye will also help you make lifestyle changes to improve your gynaecological health. Did you know that everything from your contraception and condoms to underwear materials, can impact the composition of good and bad bacteria in your vagina? Stay in the know with Daye's screen and invest in interventions that actually work.

Daye's test uses quantitative PCR technology, which is able to quantify the relative amounts of microorganisms in your microbiome. While most GP/GU clinics use a method called microscopy to evaluate samples for pathogens causing BV or thrush, this requires a skilled technician to identify the presence of specific bacteria and differentiate them from one another. Microscopy is hence more subjective than DNA-based methods (like PCR) which detect the DNA of all microorganisms found in the sample in an automated way. Studies have shown that PCR is a more accurate way of assessing the bacterial composition of the vaginal canal than microscopy. 

In practice, the PCR-based Daye screening results can point out if Gardnerella vaginalis (a common cause of BV) makes up 1% or 40% of a microbiome. Their amount is important because even though these bacteria are commonly found in a healthy microbiome, they can cause inflammation if they grow excessively.

Daye is partnering with several UKAS-accredited labs in the UK.

In order to take a sample at least 5 days must have passed since your last period ended. There are a few other requirements: no antibiotics or antifungals in the last 30 days, no douching, penetrative vaginal sex, and vaginally applied meds or creams in the 24 hours before. That will ensure your microbiome is in a stable state and that your results are not inconclusive.

At Daye, they believe in building products that are rooted in scientific rigour. This means that they never want to get ahead of the science available. Like many other areas of gynaecological health, vaginal microbiome research has been underfunded for decades.

Vaginal microbiome screening is also not a common practice in clinical care today unless you go private.

A vaginal microbiome screen is used to understand the composition of bacteria in your vaginal microbiome. This can help you identify the presence of pathogens, which could be causing you recurrent vaginal infections (Candida, Gardnerella) or preventing you from becoming pregnant (Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma). If you're peri-menopausal or menopausal, you may want to increase your lactobacilli count so as to fight off vaginal dryness. If you have suffered recurrent UTIs, you may find a disrupted vaginal microbiome to be the cause. Knowing that you have a low lactobacilli count can also help you and your physician make informed decisions on your risk of a recurrent miscarriage or pre-term labour.

Not every physician, however, will recommend a vaginal microbiome screen, due to the method not being widespread yet. Please feel free to consult with your doctor before purchasing this test. If you require a simple bacterial vaginosis or candida test, you can get one for free from your local sexual health clinic.

It's also important to note that by testing your vaginal microbiome you are contributing to an increased global understanding of the best ways to detect and manage gynaecological health diseases, in turn bridging the gender gap in medical research and innovation.

Tampons can potentially stretch or tear the hymen, but it's not a guaranteed or common occurrence. The hymen is a thin membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina in some individuals. It can vary in thickness and elasticity from person to person. When inserting a tampon, if done carefully and gently, it typically shouldn't cause damage to the hymen. However, if a person's hymen is particularly thin or if they have a medical condition called imperforate hymen (where the hymen completely covers the vaginal opening), there is a slightly higher chance of the tampon causing some stretching or tearing.

It's important to note that the hymen can naturally stretch or tear over time due to various activities such as physical activity, horseback riding, gymnastics, or even normal vaginal development. Sexual activity can also impact the hymen, but it's not the only factor in hymen integrity. In many cultures, there is a misconception that an intact hymen is a sign of virginity, but this is not a reliable indicator. Hymens can vary greatly in appearance and resilience, and not all individuals with intact hymens have never engaged in sexual activity.

Daye recommends avoiding the use of the tampon for vaginal diagnostics for a period of six weeks following vaginal birth. This allows ample time for the body to heal and reduces the risk of potential complications. Please consult with your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your individual situation.

In addition to the postpartum period, Daye advises against using the tampon for vaginal diagnostics if you have any open wounds, sores, or other vaginal irritations. It is essential to prioritise your comfort and well-being, and if you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.

If you experience any discomfort, unusual symptoms, or adverse reactions while using the tampon for vaginal diagnostics, Daye recommends removing it immediately and consulting with your healthcare provider. Your health and safety are our utmost priority, and it is essential to address any concerns promptly.