This content includes advertisement and affiliate links. To read the full policy on this, click here.

New Update!

In addition to the article below, I wanted to provide the update that Daye are also offering STI checks and HPV screening using the same method as the original VMS. Users can opt for just microbiome screening or additional testing for a more complete health check. I honestly find this so exciting as it’s always beneficial to have more options when it comes to looking after your health and well-being.

Introduction

Daye very kindly gifted me the opportunity to try out their new vaginal microbiome screening service. In this post, I want to talk about what that means exactly, why I’m choosing to do it as well as more information on the process and my final thoughts on the product as a whole.

Why Should You Test Your Vaginal Microbiome?

I have to admit, prior to accepting this opportunity to try out Daye’s VMS kit, I didn’t know a huge amount about the vaginal microbiome. Yes, I’ve written an article in the past on probiotics from the same brand but I didn’t really realise the magnitude of this subject beyond healthy balance equals healthy vagina. 

This kit allows you to test for both the levels of good bacteria (lactobacilli) and disruptive microorganisms (yeasts or viruses). Aside from this, you can then obtain treatments if necessary or consult with a medical professional directly from the results portal. Daye also provides tailored ‘hacks’ to boost well-being according to your results. 

In terms of why you should consider taking a test like this, I found the following quote on Daye’s website which explains it far more eloquently than I could: 

“Think of it as the immune system to your reproductive tract. It contains good bacteria (lactobacilli) and disruptive microorganisms (yeasts, viruses). A healthy vaginal microbiome is one where the good bacteria keep the disruptive ones in check, preventing them from growing out of control and causing an infection. A balanced microbiome has been linked to a lower risk of vaginal infections, STIs, and reproductive difficulties. Understanding your vaginal microbiome composition can help you better manage your gynaecological health.”

Why I’m Choosing to Do This

I’ve had strong feelings about how women’s health is approached for a long time now. A major concern of mine is that testing (whether that be for HPV, STIs or anything else in the realm of gynaecology) isn’t the most accessible or understandable process. 

My previously discussed pap smear test was an ok experience for me however, I can completely understand why others feel it is something they just can’t agree to. Many experience pain, have the emotional toll of previous sexual or medical abuse to contend with. Others simply cannot find the time or childcare to attend a physical setting. Although the screening discussed in this post does not include HPV as one of the things tested for, I feel the example of low smear test attendance is just the tip of the iceberg of people feeling unable to attend a location for wellness screenings or tests. 

I was initially really attracted to the concept of using a tampon to complete this screening. Many people find using swabs difficult, uncomfortable or, depending on accessibility needs, potentially impossible.  I’ve also never personally done a ‘mail order’ style health check before so I wanted to see how it would compare to the inconvenience and anxieties of attending the GP’s office.

How the Process Works

Daye’s screening kit comes with full instructions but I’ll briefly run through the process here too for anyone interested: 

1. There is a list of requirements to meet before doing the test. These include things like ensuring your period ended at least 5 days ago. Before doing anything else, I went through the list to make sure I was ok to continue. 
2. I went online to activate my kit on Daye’s portal. On there, I had to complete a questionnaire regarding my general health and any symptoms I was concerned about. At the end of the questionnaire, it gave information on how to send the sample back. Samples should only be taken on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday to ensure they make it back to the lab within 48 hours. 
3. I put the ice pack from inside the kit into my freezer and left it there overnight. 
4. The next day, I went to the bathroom and laid all of the items from the box out on a clean surface. I then washed my hands and inserted the testing tampon – just like a regular tampon. 
5. The tampon needs to be left in for at least 20 minutes. I set a timer on my phone for around half an hour and went to read a book for a bit.
6. When the timer was up, I removed the tampon, sealing it inside a plastic pouch (as described in more detail in the instruction booklet to prevent cross-contamination) and then placed it in my freezer overnight. 
7. The next morning, I packaged my sample along with the ice pack into the same box the kit arrived with me in and drove it to my local post office. This was on a Tuesday, my results arrived via email on the Friday of the same week. 

My Results and Thoughts

I’m pleased to say that my results came back all clear/all in range. For my own privacy, I won’t be sharing my actual results here but you can get a copy of Daye’s founder’s results on Daye’s website to see what they look like. I’ve also included some photos below from Daye’s marketing.

Pros of Daye’s Vaginal Microbiome Testing

• Friendly yet detailed – I love that the results are detailed but give me a sense of confidence. Some medical tests I’ve had in the past have either been extremely vague (as in, yes it’s ok or no it’s not and nothing more) or featured scary, clinical-looking warnings if something has been out of range. With Daye, the results portal appears friendly and helpful in terms of informing you on what you need to know and any next steps, if relevant. There’s also a button to download your full report, should you want to discuss the results in person with a medical professional.

• Fast turnaround – I was really surprised with how quickly my results came back. I never expected to receive the email telling me to log on just a few days after shipping the test back to the lab. I’m personally someone who struggles with anxiously waiting to hear back from medical providers, the fast turnaround is amazing with this kit. When waiting on test results from my normal doctor’s office, I wait around 2 weeks on average so Daye’s service is certainly quicker.

• Easy and empowering – The actual sample collection process itself was also really easy. I underestimated how much more comfortable I’d feel doing this process at home as opposed to being in a clinical setting. I also felt empowered to be preparing the sample and taking it to the post office myself. For me, it was weirdly like the physical representation of literally taking control of my well-being as opposed to just arriving somewhere and someone else taking charge of it all.
• Familiar – Using a tampon was a really familiar experience. I’m not someone who has personally experienced issues with swabs in the past but I appreciate that many find them uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing. A tampon is something most of us have experience with so it felt less intimidating to complete the test in this manner.

Cons

• Cost – The test is quite costly, however, I am comparing it to the fact I live in a country where healthcare is free. In my opinion, though, testing provided for free is often very basic and, as mentioned previously, would not give the depth of results provided by paid options like Daye. This is something where I believe it all depends on what you are looking for at that moment in time – depth of knowledge or just something quick.

Summary

I’m really grateful to have been given the opportunity to try out Daye’s Vaginal Microbiome screening service. I’m happy to be able to write about options like this as I believe there’s always space for more choice in the female health space. If anyone is considering doing this test, I would definitely recommend it as it was easy, convenient and gave me a lot of peace of mind.

If you want to try out this service, head to Daye’s website – you can use my Daye discount code ambSARAHC for a discount on the testing kit.