Tests and diagnosis
Which vaginal tests should be done before pregnancy?
Zineb Sadki
Editorial writing, Santelle
Doing a vaginal test before pregnancy is not systematically necessary.
However, certain examinations may be recommended in the presence of symptoms, after a risk has been taken, or as part of a preconception assessment.
Screening for sexually transmitted infections, vaginal swabs carried out by a healthcare professional, or home self-tests: each solution looks for different imbalances or infections.
Find out which tests can be useful before conceiving, when to do them, and which professional to turn to.
The tests offered depend on your symptoms, your medical history, and any risk factors.
A vaginal swab, an STI screening, and a self-test do not have the same objective.
The laboratory vaginal swab
A doctor or midwife may recommend a vaginal swab in the presence of unusual discharge, itching, burning, or recurrent infections.
The sample is analysed in a laboratory to look specifically for thrush, bacterial vaginosis, or certain micro-organisms.
The vaginal swab should not be confused with cervical cancer screening, which is performed by cervical smear when indicated.
STI screening
Depending on your situation, screening may be offered before pregnancy, particularly after unprotected sex, a change of partner, or in the presence of other risk factors.
As some STIs can remain asymptomatic, screening for them relies on specific tests: blood tests, local swabs, or urine samples depending on the infection being sought.
It is therefore not a single test capable of detecting all STIs.
The home vaginal self-test
Performed by yourself using a device designed for this purpose, the vaginal self-test provides information on certain indicators of vaginal balance.
Depending on the product, it can measure only pH or analyse several biomarkers associated with different imbalances.
This type of test can help you better understand certain symptoms or know if it is useful to consult. However, it does not identify all infections, screen for STIs, or establish a diagnosis on its own.
The choice of examination therefore depends on the question asked: looking for the cause of symptoms, screening for an STI, or obtaining initial information about vaginal balance.
Which consultation should you have before a pregnancy?
Before trying to conceive, it is recommended to schedule a preconception consultation with a general practitioner, midwife, or gynaecologist.
This appointment allows you to review your health, vaccinations, treatments, tobacco or alcohol consumption, and folic acid intake.
Depending on your symptoms, your history, or potential exposure to an STI, the professional may also offer screening or a vaginal swab.
No vaginal test is therefore carried out systematically: the examinations are chosen according to your situation.
When to do a vaginal test before getting pregnant?
A vaginal test is not necessary before every pregnancy. However, it can be relevant in certain situations:
You have vaginal symptoms: unusual discharge, a different smell, itching, burning, or pain may justify a consultation. Depending on the symptoms, a healthcare professional may suggest a clinical examination or a vaginal swab.
You have had unprotected sex or recently changed partners: STI screening may be recommended, even without symptoms. It relies on specific analyses, carried out from a local swab, a blood test, or a urine sample depending on the infection being sought.
You have recurrent vaginal infections: if symptoms return regularly or persist despite treatment, it is best to speak to a doctor or midwife to find their cause before pregnancy.
Your cervical cancer screening is not up to date: the preconception consultation checks if screening is necessary based on your age and the date of the previous test. This screening is distinct from a vaginal test looking for an infection or imbalance.
You are experiencing difficulty conceiving or have had several miscarriages: these situations may require a personalised medical assessment. A vaginal swab can sometimes be part of this, but it does not constitute a fertility assessment on its own.
In the absence of symptoms, risk of STIs, or specific medical history, no systematic vaginal test is generally requested before conceiving.
A self-test can provide information on certain indicators of vaginal balance, but it does not screen for all infections or make a diagnosis.
How to use the Santelle test before a pregnancy?
The Santelle test can be carried out at home before a pregnancy to obtain information on your vaginal balance.
It analyses six biomarkers from a single swab and can highlight profiles associated with thrush, bacterial vaginosis, or another vaginal imbalance.
To perform the test:
Choose the right time. Avoid testing during your period and wait at least 12 hours after sexual intercourse, a bath, douching, or using an intimate hygiene product, as these factors can temporarily alter the vaginal environment.
Activate your kit in the Santelle app. The app then guides you through each step and asks for some information about any symptoms you may have.
Perform the vaginal swab. Use the swab provided in the kit, following the instructions in the leaflet precisely.
Prepare the sample. Dip the swab into the tube provided, then place the liquid onto the test card.
Check your result. After about ten minutes, enter the observed reactions into the app to obtain an indicative reading of your results and advice on the next steps to consider.
Santelle can be a first step to better understanding certain symptoms or monitoring your vaginal balance before conceiving.
On the other hand, a normal result does not confirm the absence of all infections and does not mean that all parameters necessary for a pregnancy have been verified.
In particular, the test does not screen for STIs and does not replace a preconception consultation.
In the event of an unusual result, persistent symptoms, pain, risk of STIs, or specific medical history, ask a doctor or midwife for advice.
What can a vaginal self-test detect before pregnancy?
A vaginal self-test can provide an initial indication of vaginal balance.
Depending on the device, it measures pH alone or several biomarkers associated with imbalances such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush.
However, its result remains indicative. Studies show in particular that a high pH can indicate an anomaly, but is not sufficient to determine its cause.
A self-test also does not assess fertility, screen for all STIs, or confirm that everything is ready for a pregnancy.
In the event of an unusual result or symptoms, a medical swab may be necessary to establish a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do a vaginal self-test while trying for a baby?
Yes, a vaginal self-test can be performed while trying to conceive. It can provide information on certain indicators of vaginal balance, but it does not assess fertility or the chances of conception. If you experience symptoms or receive an unusual result, speak to a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
Can Santelle be used after stopping contraception?
Yes, stopping contraception does not prevent you from using Santelle. However, hormonal changes can temporarily influence the vaginal environment. The result should therefore be considered as an indication of your vaginal balance at the time of the test, and not as an assessment of your fertility.
Can a vaginal treatment alter the result of a self-test?
Yes. An ovule, a cream, a vaginal gel or certain probiotics can temporarily alter the pH or other analysed parameters. It is best to perform the self-test before starting a treatment. If treatment has already begun, consult the test instructions or seek advice from a healthcare professional to find out how long you need to wait.
Who should you show your self-test results to?
You can present your results to a GP, a midwife, a gynaecologist or a pharmacist. They will be able to interpret them alongside your symptoms and history, and then refer you for a laboratory test or a consultation if necessary.
Should a test be repeated after an unusual result?
Not necessarily. A second self-test can be useful if the first result is invalid or difficult to read. If the result indicates an imbalance, if it is accompanied by symptoms, or if it remains unusual after treatment, it is better to seek medical advice rather than doing multiple tests.
Written by
Zineb Sadki
Editorial writing, Santelle
Zineb is a writer at Santelle and covers intimate health and the vaginal microbiome.
