La Biome Vaginal Microbiome Test
It’s time to approach the vaginal microbiome with the same level of sophistication as the gut biome and nourish the garden within.
Introducing our vaginal microbiome test, a unique and comprehensive tool for women to understand and optimise their intimate health.
This test is ordered through a practitioner-only Australian lab, ensuring that you receive high-quality and accurate results. Since this a clinical test, you will also receive personalised recommendations from our qualified naturopath. This means you don’t need to pay costly consultation fees.
Using advanced PCR analysis technology, our vaginal microbiome test analyses:
- Microbial composition
- Beneficial bacteria
- Opportunistic or pathogenic bacteria
- Commensal bacteria & yeasts
- STIs
- pH level
This thorough analysis provides a complete picture of your vaginal health, empowering you to make informed decisions about your reproductive well-being.
How do I take the test?
To take the test, simply collect a small vaginal swab using the provided kit and send it back to our lab.
When can I expect results?
Your results will be available within 10 days. You will also receive your personalised 10 page report with recommendations from a qualified naturopath to help you optimise your vaginal health.
What is the vaginal microbiome?
The vaginal microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that inhabit the vagina. The most abundant bacteria in the vaginal microbiome are Lactobacilli. This species are beneficial bacteria that help maintain the pH balance of the vagina and prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Other bacteria found here include Gardnerella, Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Streptococcus.
How does my vaginal microbiome help my health?
Preventing infections
The vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in women’s health, as it helps to maintain the balance of microorganisms in the vagina and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can cause infections.
The main way that the vaginal microbiome helps women to stay healthy is by producing lactic acid. Lactic acid helps to maintain a slightly acidic pH in the vagina. This acidic environment is inhospitable to many harmful bacteria and can prevent them from thriving. Additionally, the vaginal microbiota can produce antimicrobial substances like hydrogen peroxide, that can help to prevent infections.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition in which the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, leading to overgrowth of certain harmful bacteria. BV can cause symptoms such as itching, burning, and a fishy odor, and it can increase the risk of STIs.
The vaginal microbiome can also play a role in the development of other gynecological conditions, such as yeast infections (Candida albicans) and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Endometriosis & Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Studies have shown that women with endometriosis or PCOS had lower levels of Lactobacilli and higher levels of certain types of bacteria that are associated with inflammation and infection.
Other studies have suggested that dysbiosis and inflammation may be linked to the development of these conditions. For example, one study found that women with endometriosis had a higher prevalence of BV and other types of vaginal dysbiosis compared to women without endometriosis.
Healthy pregnancy
The vaginal microbiome plays an important role in supporting a healthy pregnancy. During pregnancy, the vaginal flora undergoes changes that are necessary for a healthy pregnancy outcome. These changes include an increase in the abundance of Lactobacilli, which help to maintain a healthy vaginal pH and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
A healthy vaginal microbiota during pregnancy has been associated with a reduced risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. In contrast, an imbalanced vaginal microbiome during pregnancy, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) or other types of dysbiosis, has been associated with an increased risk of these adverse outcomes.
Additionally, research suggests that the gut microbiome may also play a role in supporting a healthy pregnancy. For example, imbalances in the gut microbiome have been associated with gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications.
Is the vaginal microbiome linked with the gut microbiome?
You bet it is! Research suggests that a healthy gut microbiome can promote a healthy vaginal microbiome. This is because certain beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus jensenii, can also be found in the vagina. When these bacteria are present in both the gut and the vagina, they may be able to work together to promote overall health.
There is some cross-communication between the vaginal and gut microbiomes. For example, changes in the gut microbiome can affect the vaginal microbiome and vice versa. This is because the vagina and the gut are connected through the anus, and bacteria can travel from the gut to the vagina. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can also influence the vaginal flora.
