The vaginal microbiome: explained.
50% of the population have one.
So why do so many of us know so little?
What is the vaginal microbiome?
The vaginal microbiome is the community of bacteria, yeast and other organisms living in your vaginal environment.
This is a dynamic environment, and can be changed by many factors including – age, diet, lifestyle, hormonal balance.
Is everyone's vaginal microbiome the same?
Every person with a vagina has a unique composition of organisms present, so every vaginal microbiome is different!
Some bacteria are ‘good’, some ‘neutral’ and some ‘unstable’ – influencing how protected your vaginal health is or isn’t.
What do these bacteria do?
‘Good’ bacteria primarily produce lactic acid – making the vaginal environment more acidic, which stops pathogens invading.
‘Good’ bacteria also reduce inflammation & take up space on the vaginal wall to prevent pathogens growing there.
What does it mean to have an "imbalance"?
‘This is when the vaginal microbiome is dominated by disruptive bacteria or pathogens – otherwise known as vaginal dysbiosis
Therefore the vaginal environment is less protected and at risk from a range of health concerns.
What bacteria do ScreenMe test for?
‘ScreenMe is the only UK-based organisation to screen for every single bacteria present in your microbiome using NGS technology.
This includes: all BV-related bacteria, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, fusobacterium, and more! Our tests are 99.9% accurate so if it is there, we will spot it!
Why is my vaginal health important?
Fertility
Research has shown your vaginal microbiome plays a role in fertility including - risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, unexplained infertility, IVF success.
Disease Risk
Lack of 'good' bacteria in your vaginal microbiome promotes inflammation; being linked to spread of malignant cells and HPV oncogene expression - which increases your cervical cancer risk.
Infection Risk
Recurrent UTIs, thrush, BV, STDs, and other infections indicate an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome - so there are less 'good' bacteria present to fight off pathogens.
Uncomfortable Symptoms
Poor vaginal health is linked to many unpleasant symptoms including: dryness, itchiness, pain during sex, abnormal discharge, unpleasant smell.
Why ScreenMe?
Most
comprehensive
We screen 100% of bacteria and yeast present. Rather than a panel of selected bacteria, like other tests.
Most
Accurate
Our tests are 99.9% accurate, using gold-standard NGS (next gen sequencing technology)
Most
Supportive
By offering a free 1:1 consultation with intimate health practitioners, we don't just provide results - we provide solution and support.
Most
Sustainable
By creating a bespoke plan of action with you, we guide you towards solutions - inc. nutrition, supplement, lifestyle advice.
Health concerns related to the vaginal microbiome.
- AV (Aerobic Vaginitis) - what it is, how to manage it & more.
- BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)
- Cervical cancer risk
- Community State-Type & what this means
- CV (Cytolytic Vaginosis)
- Discharge colour & what it means
- Dryness (Vaginal Atrophy)
- Endometriosis & vaginal health
- Fertility & vaginal health
- Fusobacterium, Endometriosis & the vaginal microbiome
- Gardnerella Vaginalis & your vaginal health
- GSM, menopause & your vaginal health
- Gut microbiome & the vaginal microbiome connection
- Gynae cancer risk & your vaginal microbiome
- HPV & vaginal health
- Infection risk
- IVF & vaginal health
- Miscarriage risk & your vaginal microbiome
- Menopause & vaginal health
- Mycoplasma genitalium - the STD you should know about
- Pelvic floor health & your vaginal microbiome
- Period health
- PCOS & vaginal health
- PID risk & your vaginal microbiome
- Pregnancy & your vaginal microbiome
- Preterm birth
- Puberty & the vaginal microbiome
- Sexual health
- Thrush (yeast infections)
- Trichomonas parasite - what this means for your vaginal health
- Ureaplasma - 6 things you should know
- Vaginal dryness - 6 tips
- Vaginal state types
- Vaginitis
Affiliation, accreditation and certifications
How it works?
There are several ScreenMe vaginal packages to choose from, depending on your symptoms and concerns.
2. Take your swab test from the comfort of your home
You will receive your ScreenMe kit discreetly in the post. This easy, pain free, shallow swab will only take 3 minutes. Then, simply send us your sample using your prepaid envelope from your pack.
3. Receive your results
We analyse your sample using gold-standard NGS technology in our trusted labs. Your results will be sent to you online, with an expert report explaining what they all mean.
4. Book your free 1:1 online consultation
In your consultation, one of our intimate health practitioners will guide you through your results, answer your questions and create your tailored nutrition and lifestyle plan. They are here to support you, so ask away and feel free to book additional consultations!
5. Implement your bespoke plan
After your consultation you’ll be ready to go! You will receive a basket of recommended products, and your dashboard will show all of your recommendations including nutrition, lifestyle, products & more.
6. Track your progress
Keep your health journey safe in one space. Monitor and track progress using repeat tests at a reduced price for our community. If you have any concerns, then our experts are always here to help and provide further advice or check-ups! All you need to do is email your coach and they will have you covered!
Your options
Find the test that is right for you.
Vaginal health swab test
- 100% bacteria present
If you experience issues including: unexplained infertility, recurrent UTIs, BV, miscarriage, STD infection, failed IVF, vaginal symptoms including dryness and pain during sex.
Vaginal health swab Test
- 100% yeast present
If you experiences issues including: issues including recurrent thrush, vaginal symptoms including itchiness.
Vaginal Health Swab test
- 100% Bacteria AND Yeast present
If you experience issues including: unexplained infertility, recurrent UTIs, thrush, BV, miscarriage, STD infection, failed IVF, vaginal symptoms including dryness, itchiness, and pain during sex.
Semen microbiome Test
If you experience issues including: recurrent infections, poor sperm quality, unexplained infertility, unpleasant smell Poor seminal microbiome can also endanger the vaginal microbiome and cause reinfections and fertility complications.
Some of our Success Stories
"I had an amazing experience with ScreenMe. The service was prompt and professional. They helped me track my nutrition through my pregnancy and advised on how to boost certain nutrients- linked both to my personal profile and my foetus’ developmental needs at different stages. I had a healthy pregnancy and baby girl. The midwives noted how large and healthy my placenta was and I put this down to the invaluable advice and guidance I received from ScreenMe."
"Knowledgeable experts who give simple yet effective day to day advice to help you get healthier. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in trying to get healthier in the long run, beyond what is available via doctors/online."
Inna Duckworth
Registered Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, MSc,, mANP, mGNC
Jessica Childs
Nutritional Therapist, Bsc Msc
Specialist Consultations
Unsure of which test is right for you, or want extra support?
Book a consultation with one of our expert intimate health practitioners.
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