Do we really need at-home vaginal microbiome tests?

If you Google at-home vaginal microbiome tests, you'll be met with seemingly endless options, some from the drugstore and others with chic millennial branding. They seem to be having a moment, with more and more tests popping up on the market similar to at-home STI testing.

But what are vaginal biome tests for, and do we need these at-home tests? We asked gynecological experts to find out.  

What are vaginal microbiome tests?

The vaginal microbiome, or vaginal flora, is a complex ecosystem of bacteria that's unique to each person, said Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG (Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), board-certified in OB/GYN and founder of supplement company HPD Rx. 

Vaginal microbiome tests determine whether you have infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis (aka yeast infections), or other issues, Swarup said. Changes in the microbiome are due to age and hormonal disruptions, and by examining the vaginal microbiome you can determine if those disruptions are causing a problem. 

"The vaginal microbiome plays a key role in genital tract infections that can lead to pain, decrease in quality of life, sexual dysfunction, and low body image," said gynecologist Kyler Silver, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center. 

According to Swarup, 75 percent of people with vaginas will experience an episode of conditions like BV, trichomoniasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis at least once in their life.

Both Swarup and Silver said that vaginal microbiome tests are performed in their respective practices. 

"Our clinics at UT Southwestern Medical Center perform a number of tests for both infections and normal vaginal flora," Silver explained. "These tests are quality assured for accuracy and reproducibility."

Do we need at-home vaginal microbiome tests?

Currently, there's no support by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for the use of these at-home tests, Silver said, as they aren't evidence-based nor do they have a clear post-test treatment course. ACOG confirmed to Mashable that there's no clinical evidence to support their use.

"We recommend that women reach out to their health provider to discuss concerns about their vaginal microbiome regulation," Silver advised.

Swarup concurred, saying that testing the vaginal microbiome requires expertise of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Not only do patients benefit from expert guidance to properly administer the test and interpret the results, but they'll also know the best course for treatment. 

While it may seem like the easier option, forego the chic-branded home test and go to the doctor's office.