Functional Testing · Online Australia-wide
Vaginal microbiome test
Self-collected swab, at home
A self-collected swab that identifies which lactobacilli you have, the organisms behind bacterial vaginosis and thrush, seven Candida species, pH and a screen for common infections. For the thrush or BV that keeps coming back.
If you get recurrent thrush, or BV that clears with treatment and is back a month later, or odour or discharge that no one has properly explained, this is the test for that. It’s NutriPath’s Vaginal Microbiome Profile (test code 2031), a self-collected swab that uses PCR to identify exactly what’s there and in what amounts.
The most useful part for me is the lactobacilli breakdown. A vaginal microbiome dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus behaves quite differently from one dominated by L. iners, and that difference can go a long way to explaining why the same problem keeps recurring. And I really like going through this one with people, so many have been dealing with it quietly for years and it’s often the first time anyone has actually shown them what’s there. Standard swabs don’t report at species level, so this is information you usually can’t get elsewhere.
The panel also screens for several sexually transmitted infections, and if any of those come back positive that’s a GP matter and I’ll refer you straight away.
Who it suits
Who this test is for
- Thrush that keeps coming back
- Bacterial vaginosis that clears and returns
- Discharge, odour or irritation that hasn't been explained
- Wanting to know your vaginal microbiome before trying to conceive or starting IVF
- Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding or in perimenopause
- Ongoing symptoms after treatment
Before you order
A few things I’ll check with you
- Not during your period. I'll confirm the best timing with you before ordering.
- Antibiotics or antifungals in the last two weeks would affect the result. We'd wait.
- If you think you've been exposed to an STI, see your GP or a sexual health clinic now rather than waiting for this test.
- If you have pelvic pain, fever or bleeding between periods, see your GP first.
- Positive infection results need medical treatment, and I'll refer you to your GP.
- If you're pregnant, talk to me first.
What you get
What the report covers
Lactobacilli by species
L. crispatus, gasseri, iners, jensenii and others, with a total count. This is the part I read first.
Bacteria linked to bacterial vaginosis
Gardnerella, Atopobium, Megasphaera, Prevotella, Mobiluncus and BVAB2, with actual amounts so I can see how much of each is there.
Aerobic vaginitis organisms
E. coli, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and Group B Streptococcus.
Candida, seven species
Including albicans, glabrata and krusei. Knowing the species matters because they can respond differently to standard treatment.
Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma
Common organisms that can sit in the background.
Vaginal pH
A simple marker that tells me a lot about the overall environment.
Infection screen
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, Mycoplasma genitalium, herpes simplex 1 and 2, and syphilis. Positive results go to your GP.
How it works
From order to results
Get in touch
Use the enquire button below. I'll come back to you within one business day to check the test suits you (timing, medications, that sort of thing), confirm the price and send a secure payment link. Then I place the order with NutriPath.
Your kit arrives
NutriPath posts the collection kit straight to you, with everything you need and step-by-step instructions.
Collect at home and send it back
You collect the sample at home and post it to the lab following the instructions in the kit.
Your results consultation
Results come to me. We then meet online for a 30-minute consultation to go through what they mean and what to do next.
Pricing
What’s included
Every option includes the test and a results consultation with me, so you’re not sitting at home trying to make sense of the report on your own.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I collect the sample?
It’s a self-collected swab, done at home in private following the instructions in the kit, it only takes a minute and then you post it back in the packaging provided.
My thrush keeps coming back. Why would a test help?
Because "thrush" covers several Candida species, and they don't all respond to the same treatment. The test also shows whether your protective lactobacilli are there in good numbers, and which species. That's often the piece of information that's been missing when the same problem keeps recurring.
Does this replace an STI check with my GP?
No. It does screen for several infections, and I'll refer any positive result to your GP straight away. But if you think you've been exposed to an STI, see your GP or a sexual health clinic now. Don't wait for this.
How long until I get results?
Usually 5 to 7 business days after the lab receives your swab. They come to me, and I'll email you to book your consultation as soon as they land.
Do I need to be on the Gold Coast?
No. The kit is posted anywhere in Australia and our consultation is over video.
Not sure which test fits?
Not sure where to start? Book a free 10-minute call and I’ll point you in the right direction.