A highly comprehensive vaginal microbiome test using advanced shotgun metagenomic sequencing to analyse bacteria, fungi and viruses from a single vaginal swab.
The vaginal microbiome plays an important role in vaginal, reproductive and overall health. A healthy microbiome is normally dominated by protective bacteria, while changes in the balance or abundance of microorganisms may be associated with recurrent infections, vaginal symptoms, fertility concerns and changes occurring around menopause.
Unlike testing that looks only for a predetermined selection of microorganisms, shotgun metagenomic sequencing analyses microbial DNA across the sample, providing a much broader and unbiased picture of the vaginal ecosystem.
What does the test analyse?
The test identifies microbes detected within your vaginal sample, including beneficial organisms as well as microorganisms associated with vaginal imbalance or infection.
Importantly, the test measures both relative and absolute abundance.
Relative abundance shows the proportion of each microorganism within the microbiome, while absolute abundance provides information about how much of that microorganism is actually present. This additional information can help distinguish genuine microbial overgrowth or depletion from an apparent change caused by other organisms increasing or decreasing.
The report can provide information relating to microorganisms associated with:
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Fungal and yeast infections
• Aerobic vaginitis
• Cytolytic vaginitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Recurrent vaginal and urinary symptoms
• Fertility challenges
• Pregnancy-related concerns
• Menopause-related changes
Only microorganisms detected within the sample are reported.
Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea Testing Included
The test also includes diagnostic assessment for two common sexually transmitted infections:
• Chlamydia (CT)
• Gonorrhoea (NG)
This means the CT/NG assessment and comprehensive vaginal microbiome profile can be obtained from a single vaginal swab and presented within one report.
Who may benefit from this test?
The Vaginal Microbiome Test may be particularly useful if you experience:
• Recurrent bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Persistent or unusual vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching or irritation
• Vaginal odour
• Symptoms that repeatedly return following treatment
• Fertility or pregnancy-related concerns
• Changes in vaginal health during perimenopause or menopause
• A desire to assess microbiome recovery following treatment
It may also be useful for women who simply want a more detailed understanding of their vaginal microbiome and vaginal health.
Advanced Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing
The laboratory uses shotgun metagenomics to analyse DNA within the sample.
Extracted DNA is broken into small sections, uniquely barcoded and analysed. The resulting DNA sequences are then assembled and microbial taxa assigned. Quality-control procedures are performed at multiple stages to support the accuracy of the analysis.
Why is the vaginal microbiome important?
Protective vaginal bacteria help maintain an environment that makes it more difficult for potentially harmful microorganisms to become dominant.
Changes within this ecosystem may be associated with BV, thrush, susceptibility to certain infections, fertility and pregnancy outcomes, and vaginal changes occurring during menopause.
Understanding which microorganisms are present — and importantly, their abundance — can provide valuable information when investigating persistent or recurrent symptoms and can help guide appropriate nutritional and lifestyle support or indicate when further medical investigation may be appropriate.
Sample required: Vaginal swab
Methodology: Shotgun metagenomic sequencing
Biomarkers tested: Identifies microbes present within the sample, including relative and absolute abundance
Additional testing: Diagnostic Chlamydia (CT) and Gonorrhoea (NG) assessment
Laboratory processing time: Approximately 15 business days, excluding transit time
Your Results & Consultation
Your laboratory report provides a detailed picture of your vaginal microbiome and the microorganisms detected.
For those wanting further support, a consultation with Sara Jane Health & Nutrition can be booked to go through your results, explain what the findings mean in the context of your symptoms and health history, and discuss personalised nutritional, lifestyle and microbiome-support strategies.