From Discovery to Balance: My Experience with Evvy’s At-Home Vaginal Microbiome Test
Written by Dr. Brittany Barreto, Founder & CEO, FemHealth Insights
In a world increasingly attentive to women's health, the innovation brought to the table by companies like Evvy is not just timely but transformative. As someone deeply invested in femtech, I recently explored the state of my own vaginal health using Evvy's cutting-edge vaginal microbiome test. This test isn't just any health assessment; it's a journey into the intricate ecosystem residing within the vagina, providing personalized insights that were previously inaccessible.
My Introduction to Evvy
Evvy stands out, not merely as a health tech company but as a pioneer championing empowered and informed vaginal healthcare. Collaborating with top OB-GYNs from prestigious institutions like UCSF, Northwestern, and Stanford, Evvy has developed the first at-home vaginal microbiome test of its kind. This CLIA-certified, metagenomic sequencing test delves deep, identifying all present bacteria and fungi with incredible accuracy.
But Evvy's commitment extends beyond testing. Each analysis comes with a tailor-made plan from healthcare providers, detailing next steps, offering science-backed education, and, when applicable, prescribing treatment programs. An Evvy Membership allows for the tracking of how lifestyle changes and treatments affect the microbiome over time, embodying a proactive stance towards vaginal health.
In the United States alone, AUB accounts for one-third of outpatient visits to gynecologists and more than 70% of gynecologic consults among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The economic toll is staggering. Based on individual reimbursement claims data from Definitive Health, the U.S. spends over $33 billion annually on AUB-related healthcare, not to mention the indirect costs associated with lost productivity and absenteeism from work and school.
Despite its prevalence and impact, AUB remains a condition shrouded in silence and stigma, with two-thirds of affected women not seeking the help they need. This reluctance is compounded by healthcare providers' often dismissive attitudes towards women’s reports of heavy menstrual bleeding, leaving many women to suffer in silence and without adequate care.
Understanding the Vaginal Microbiome
The vaginal microbiome is a delicate ecosystem comprising bacteria, fungi, and viruses, residing within the vagina. It plays a pivotal role in reproductive and overall health, yet over 30% of people with vaginas experience an imbalance which can lead to a myriad of health issues such as BV, yeast infections, and recurrent UTIs. The consequences of an imbalanced microbiome extend far beyond discomfort, affecting fertility, the risk of STIs, pregnancy outcomes, and even the likelihood of certain cancers.
The ability for women to test their microbiome at home marks a revolutionary step towards empowering them with the knowledge and tools to manage their vaginal health proactively. With over 75% of women experiencing at least one yeast infection in their lifetime, 1 in 3 women encountering bacterial vaginosis (BV) annually, and half of all women suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point, the need for accurate, accessible health information has never been greater. Despite these common conditions, seeking medical advice often leads to frustration, as over 50% of cases are misdiagnosed or recur due to inadequate treatment. Home microbiome testing offers a solution to this problem, enabling women to understand their vaginal health with precision and reducing the likelihood of misdiagnosis. By providing a clear picture of the vaginal microbiome, these tests empower women to take control of their health, leading to more informed discussions with healthcare providers and more effective treatment plans. This shift not only promises to improve individual health outcomes but also has the potential to transform women's healthcare at a systemic level, reducing the burden of unnecessary medical visits and fostering a more knowledgeable and health-conscious society.
Lactobacilli, the "good" bacteria, are central to a healthy vaginal microbiome, maintaining a low pH that protects against harmful pathogens. When these protective bacteria are outnumbered, disruptive bacteria can lead to vaginal dysbiosis, manifesting in infections and discomfort. The complexity of the vaginal microbiome and its impact on health underscores the importance of personalized, knowledgeable care in managing and preventing these issues.
What My Results Revealed
My journey with Evvy unveiled a significantly imbalanced microbiome, characterized by a 96% disruptive score and a shocking absence of protective bacteria.
The vaginal microbiome is categorized into five general Community State Types (CSTs), each characterized by the dominance of specific microorganisms, reflecting the diverse ecosystem within. CSTs 1, 2, 3, and 5 are defined by the prevalence of different Lactobacillus species: Lactobacillus crispatus (Type 1), Lactobacillus gasseri (Type 2), Lactobacillus iners (Type 3), and Lactobacillus jensenii (Type 5), each known for their protective roles in vaginal health. Type 4, distinct for its lack of a dominant Lactobacillus species, often signals a microbial imbalance and is subdivided into further groups to reflect varying microbial compositions, which may include healthy or infection-prone environments. Echoing the experiences of 24% of Evvy users, my microbiome was classified as Type 4-B Community State Type, indicative of a heightened susceptibility to infections like BV and broader implications for fertility and STI risk.
Of the 30% of women that have vaginal dysbiosis, around 80% of us do not present any traditional imbalance symptoms such as odor, discharge, or infection. This silent prevalence underscores the complexity of vaginal health, where the absence of symptoms does not necessarily equate to optimal well-being. For women like myself in this non-symptomatic, dysbiosis, the path to improved health doesn't require antibiotics. Instead, the emphasis is placed on lifestyle adjustments and supplements aimed at nurturing the microbiome towards a more lactobacilli-dominant flora. My results highlight an important facet of vaginal health: being asymptomatic doesn't equate to the absence of risk. By proactively fostering a healthier microbial balance, women in similar situations can potentially stave off future complications, maintaining a state of well-being even in the absence of overt symptoms.
A Path Forward
In consultation with an Evvy coach, we pinpointed three potential contributors to my microbiome's imbalance:
Hormonal Contraception: My use of oral contraceptives was identified as a potential factor affecting my vaginal microbiome. While some studies suggest that combined oral contraceptives can support a balanced microbiome and reduce the incidence of bacterial vaginosis by promoting the growth of beneficial lactobacilli through estrogen's effect on glycogen, individual responses can vary. Adjusting the type or dosage of contraception could potentially help in achieving a more balanced vaginal environment.
Low Vitamin D Levels: I have had a long history of low Vitamin D levels and this was flagged as a possible contributor to my microbiome imbalance. Supplementation could be key in transitioning to a healthier vaginal microbiome. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining the mucosal barrier, and its supplementation could support the proliferation of protective lactobacilli.
Sexual Activity: The impact of sexual activity on the vaginal microbiome can introduce new bacteria, alter pH levels, and affect the microbiome's composition in various ways. This includes bacteria transfer from partners or through the use of sex toys, which can introduce or spread disruptive microorganisms. Adjusting sexual practices and ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation of sex toys were recommended strategies to mitigate these risks.
Armed with this newfound understanding, I've embarked on a dedicated plan to recalibrate my microbiome, incorporating high-dose Vitamin D supplements and making informed adjustments to my sexual activity. This proactive approach isn't just about correcting an imbalance; it's about redefining what it means to take control of one's health in a deeply personal and informed way.
As I navigate this journey towards a healthier vaginal microbiome, I'm reminded of the power of knowledge and the potential for change. Through Evvy and the broader femtech movement, we're entering a new era of women's healthcare—one that prioritizes empowerment, precision, and proactive wellness.
Stay tuned for a follow-up article in three months, where we'll explore the outcomes of my efforts to balance my vaginal microbiome!
Whether you are symptom-free or struggling with recurring infections or infertility, you can test your own microbiome by purchasing a kit from Evvy.com. Use promo code FEMTECH for 10% off your kit.
About the Author:
Dr. Brittany Barreto, Ph.D., is Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at FemHealth Insights. Every day, Brittany dedicates her work to advancing women’s health innovation by equipping key stakeholders with data-driven insights and strategic advice on the FemHealth market. She is also host of the FemTech Focus Podcast - the number 1 femtech podcast globally.
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