We recommend testing your vaginal microbiome every three months, even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, because your vaginal microbiome is dynamic, influenced by various factors that can change over time. Regular testing ensures that you stay informed about your vaginal health and can take proactive steps to maintain or restore balance. Here’s why regular testing is so important:

Your vaginal microbiome can shift due to lifestyle changes, hormonal fluctuations, diet, stress, medications (like antibiotics), and more. Testing every three months allows you to identify trends or patterns in your microbiome, providing valuable insights into what’s working for your health—and what might not be.

Regular testing helps you spot imbalances early, even before symptoms arise. Addressing potential issues promptly can help prevent recurrent infections, improve fertility outcomes, and support overall vaginal health. This proactive approach is especially important for those with a history of bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, or other conditions.

If you’re undergoing a treatment plan or making lifestyle changes to improve your vaginal health, quarterly testing allows you to monitor your progress. By comparing your results over time, you can see whether your microbiome is moving toward a protective, Lactobacillus-dominant state and adjust your care plan if necessary.

Hormonal fluctuations during different phases of life—like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or even hormonal birth control—can significantly affect your vaginal microbiome. Testing every three months helps you understand and respond to these natural shifts, ensuring your care evolves alongside your body.

With quarterly testing, you gain a deeper understanding of how your microbiome reacts to changes in diet, stress, and lifestyle. This knowledge empowers you to take preventative measures to maintain a balanced microbiome and reduce the risk of infections or discomfort.