Vaginal microbiome test: how does it work and which test to choose?

Are you looking to better understand your vaginal flora, because you have symptoms, infections that keep coming back, or simply want to know more about your intimate balance?

A vaginal microbiome test analyses the micro-organisms present in a vaginal swab.

In particular, it can give you an idea of the composition of your microbiota and the role played by different bacteria.

In this article, we explain simply what each type of test measures, how much it costs and which one might be suitable for your situation.

What is the vaginal microbiome?

The vagina naturally harbours billions of micro-organisms, mainly bacteria.

All of these micro-organisms make up the vaginal microbiota, also known as "vaginal flora".

In many women, bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus make up the majority. They contribute in particular to maintaining a naturally acidic vaginal environment.

The composition of the microbiota can, however, change throughout life, for example with hormonal changes, periods, pregnancy, menopause or taking antibiotics.

A different microbiota does not necessarily mean there is an infection. It is precisely to better understand this composition that vaginal microbiome tests exist.

How does a vaginal microbiome test work?

A vaginal microbiome test is generally done from a vaginal swab taken with a swab.

Depending on the test, the sample can be taken at home or with the help of a healthcare professional.

It is then sent to a laboratory which analyses the genetic material of the micro-organisms present in the sample.

You then receive a report showing the composition of your vaginal microbiota.

The important point to remember: this type of test looks to find out which micro-organisms are present in your microbiota, and in what proportions.

How much does a vaginal microbiome test cost in France?

The price depends heavily on the method used and the level of detail of the analysis.

Home tests available in France start around €70, while some more advanced analyses can cost €200 to €300 or more.

The delay must also be taken into account: unlike self-tests which give a result in a few minutes, a microbiome analysis generally requires sending the sample to a laboratory.

The result can therefore take several days or even several weeks.

Before ordering, look especially at:

• what the test actually analyses;

• the time it takes to receive the results;

• if an interpretation is offered;

• what is included in the price.

There is therefore no vaginal test that is "best" in all situations: each answers a different question.

Vaginal test with several biomarkers

If your goal is not to know all the bacteria present in your microbiota, but rather to have an initial indication of your vaginal environment, there is another approach: multi-biomarker self-tests.

This is the principle behind the Santelle vaginal self-test.

From a single vaginal swab, Santelle analyses six biomarkers related in particular to pH, microbial activity and the inflammatory response.

The test is carried out at home, in just a few minutes, without having to send your sample to a laboratory.

The result is available in about 10 minutes and its reading is guided in the Santelle application.

Santelle therefore does not sequence your microbiome and does not give you the list of bacteria present.

The objective is different: to quickly give you multiple pieces of information about your vaginal environment from a single sample.

Which vaginal test to choose based on your situation?

The right test is not necessarily the most detailed. It all depends primarily on what you are looking for today.

You want to know your vaginal microbiota

If you are curious to know the bacteria present in your microbiota and their abundance, a vaginal microbiome analysis is the most suitable.

It generally requires a sample sent to a laboratory and gives you a more detailed result, but also requires more time and budget.

You are looking for a quick response at home

If you primarily need an initial indication of your vaginal environment, a self-test carried out at home may be more practical.

Multi-biomarker tests like Santelle allow you to obtain several pieces of information from a single sample, with a result in a few minutes.

You simply want to check your pH

A vaginal pH test is the simplest option. It allows you to quickly measure vaginal acidity, but does not give detailed information on the micro-organisms present.

You have significant or persistent symptoms

In this case, do not choose your test solely based on its level of detail.

Symptoms like severe pain, fever, unusual bleeding or persistent symptoms require the advice of a healthcare professional.

A home test should not delay a consultation