Suffering with recurring thrush or BV? A vaginal microbiome test might be helpful...

Vaginal infections like thrush or bacterial vaginosis (BV) are incredibly common, yet are so often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. 

And if you’re in perimenopause or menopause, you may have noticed these issues creeping in more often, or responding less reliably to treatments that once worked.

So what’s really going on — and how do we get answers?

I recently tried the Daye At-Home Vaginal Microbiome, STI & HPV Screening Kit - a discreet, clinically backed test that promises not just infection screening, but a full picture of your vaginal microbiome health, personalised insights, and support for getting things back in balance.

This blog isn’t just a product review - it’s a deeper look at the hidden world of your vaginal microbiome: why it matters, how it can affect your risk of infections (especially during hormonal changes), and whether tests like Daye’s can offer real solutions.

If you’ve ever been caught in the cycle of repeat infections, antibiotics or vague reassurance that “everything looks fine,” this post is for you.

Test Kit Overview

Daye is a female-founded gynae health start-up who are on a mission to close the gender health gap for good. 

They started out with the invention of the world’s first pain-relieving tampon, designed to support the 90% of women who experience menstrual cramps.

After helping over 75,000 women kick period pain to the curb, they launched their second generation tampon to facilitate the at-home detection of vaginal infections, STIs and HPV.

The Daye At-Home Vaginal Screening Kit is designed to give you lab-grade insight into your vaginal health — all from the comfort of home. 

Unlike many over-the-counter tests that only check for a single infection, this test is far more comprehensive. 

It screens for yeast infections (like thrush), bacterial vaginosis (BV), STIs including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, HPV, and provides a detailed microbiome analysis — all in one go.

What’s Included in the Test:

• A sterile vaginal swab (Daye uses their medical-grade tampon as a swab)

  
  

• A pre-paid return envelope

  
  

• Secure online access to your results within 10 working days

  
  

• A personalised report including:

  
  

  • Detection of STIs and HPV

  • Identification of microbes associated with thrush, BV, or UTIs

  • Overview of your vaginal microbiome (e.g. presence of protective lactobacilli)

  • Actionable insights and clinical aftercare guidance

How It Works:

1. Order the kit online (delivered in discreet packaging

   
   

2. Use the swab in the comfort of your own home

   
   

3. Return the sample using the pre-paid envelope

   
   

4. Receive your results via a secure digital portal

   
   

5. Access personalised recommendations, with the option to book a follow-up with a clinician through Daye if needed

   
   

Pricing and Discount:

The Daye test currently retails at £99 for the microbiome test, £149 for the microbiome and STI test and £189 for the microbiome, STI and HPV test (prices correct July 2025), and includes all lab processing and report access.

Want to try it? Here's an exclusive offer...

I’ve partnered with Daye to offer you 20% off with my code joindaye-24c94f

👉Click here to buy

What makes the Daye test stand out:

• Combines STI, HPV, and microbiome screening in a single test — rare in most standard GP or sexual health checks.

  
  

• Offers insights into your risk for recurring infections, including thrush, BV, and UTIs.

  
  

• Focuses on prevention and balance, not just diagnosis.

  
  

• Results are presented in plain English — no need to decode confusing lab reports.

  
  

• It’s ideal for those experiencing hormonal and menopause-related vaginal changes, or anyone looking to understand their intimate health better.

If you’re dealing with repeat symptoms or simply curious about your internal ecosystem, Daye’s test aims to empower you with clarity — not just answers, but guidance.

First Impressions

The Daye kit arrived quickly after ordering and the packaging was discreet and thoughtfully designed, with a soft matte finish and muted branding that made it feel more like a self-care product than a medical test. 

No scary clinical vibes, which I appreciated straight away.

Opening the box, everything was neatly arranged and clearly labelled. 

The standout item is Daye’s signature tampon-style swab — clever, simple, and much more familiar than the speculum-and-swab combo we’ve all had at the GP. 

The instructions were clear, visual, and refreshingly non-patronising (hooray for plain English!). There’s also a pre-paid envelope for returning the sample, which makes the whole process feel streamlined and stress-free.

My first impression? This kit has been designed with real women in mind — including those who are anxious, menopausal, dealing with discomfort, or just plain fed up with repeat symptoms and no answers. 

It’s modern, reassuring, and genuinely user-friendly. You’re not just buying a product — you’re stepping into a process that feels personal, respectful, and rooted in care.

Using the test kit

Using the Daye kit was refreshingly simple — and honestly, a bit of a relief. 

The instructions walked me through everything step-by-step, and because the swab is built into a tampon-style applicator, it felt a lot less invasive than a typical clinic test. 

I appreciated being able to do it in my own time, in my own bathroom, with no stirrups or waiting rooms in sight!

It only took a few minutes, and the packaging made it clear exactly how to prepare, insert the swab, and package it back up for return. 

I dropped it in a postbox the same day, and that was that. No need to print forms, chase up labs, or chase anyone for results.

The results

Daye really shines in the way it presents the results. 

I received an email letting me know they were ready within 10 working days, and when I logged in, the report was clear, well laid out, and easy to understand. 

It flagged the microbes found in my sample — including those linked to BV and thrush — and explained how they impact vaginal health.

What stood out to me was the microbiome breakdown — particularly the levels of lactobacillus, the good bacteria that help keep things balanced. 

I could see at a glance whether my vaginal environment was protective or more vulnerable to infection. It felt like looking under the bonnet — finally understanding why I’d been getting repeat infections, irritation, or that awful “here we go again” feeling.

What stood out to me most in my report was something I hadn’t expected — my lactobacilli levels (the “good” bacteria that help keep the vaginal environment balanced) were <1% of what they should be!

I’ll be honest: that was a bit of a shock!

But it also explained so much. My recurring UTIs, the irritation that would come and go, the feeling that something was “off” even when tests came back clear — suddenly, it all made sense.

This is where the test became more than just data. 

The report didn’t just give me numbers — it helped me understand why things weren’t improving with the usual treatments. 

And even better, it gave me a practical starting point for what to do next, from specific probiotics to questions I can take to a GP or specialist. 

That level of insight is something I’ve never had before — not from an NHS test, and not even from private consultations.

The test also checks for HPV and STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea — not something most women would expect outside of a sexual health clinic. 

It felt reassuring to rule things out, especially when so many of us are misdiagnosed or brushed off with generic treatments.

Most importantly, Daye doesn’t just give you results and leave you hanging — it includes aftercare suggestions, including which probiotic strains to consider buying (Daye have their own range), when to speak to a doctor and also lifestyle factors to support better vaginal health (which is especially useful during perimenopause and beyond).

This isn’t a test that links up to an app or tracks cycles — it’s a one-off deep dive, not an ongoing tracker. 

That said, it does include the option to book a clinical call with an expert nurse through Daye if you want to discuss your results, which makes it feel more complete. 

It fits beautifully into a broader self-care or hormone health journey, especially if you're already using things like period tracking, symptom journals, or perimenopause support tools.

Quality of the test kit service

The quality of the kit itself felt premium. 

The swab was hygienically sealed, easy to use, and clearly well thought through. 

The digital portal feels secure and professional, which is important when you're sharing sensitive health data.

As for the long-term value — I’d argue that what you learn from one test can help inform months (or years) of care decisions. 

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of thrush or BV with no explanation, this gives you a starting point for real change.

Is the Daye Vaginal Microbiome Screening Test Worth It?

The Daye Vaginal Microbiome Screening Test isn’t a throwaway purchase — but in my view, it offers something most women struggle to get through traditional routes: clarity and control over your vaginal health.

If you’ve been dealing with recurring thrush, BV, UTIs or simply that nagging feeling that something’s “off” — especially during perimenopause or menopause — this test could be a real turning point. 

Hormonal changes often alter the vaginal environment, lowering protective lactobacillus and raising the risk of imbalance. But this is rarely explained in GP appointments.

You're often left bouncing between Canesten, antibiotics and a whole lot of frustration.

What makes Daye worth it is that it doesn't just tell you if something’s wrong — it tells you why, and offers guidance on what to do next. 

You’re not just paying for a test; you’re getting a full report on your microbiome, HPV and STI screening, and evidence-based, practical next steps.

Who is this for?

• Women in midlife, navigating hormonal shifts and intimate changes

  
  

• Anyone dealing with repeat infections that never fully resolve

  
  

• Those who’ve felt dismissed, rushed, or confused by GP appointments

  
  

• Women who want to be proactive about their vaginal and cervical health

  
  

• People who feel anxious or uncomfortable attending in-person screenings

It might not be necessary for everyone — if you’ve never had symptoms, have regular screenings, and feel confident in your care, you might not need this right now. 

But if you’ve ever sat in the bathroom thinking, “Is this thrush or BV again? Why does this keep happening?” — then yes, I believe it’s worth it.

And with 20% off, it becomes more accessible — particularly if you’ve been spending on prescriptions, probiotics or private consultations that still haven’t resolved the issue.

This is about understanding your body on your terms and being preventative rather than reactive, and to me, that’s always money well spent.

Suffering with thrush or BV? Why not give it a try yourself?

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of your vaginal health, you can buy the Daye Vaginal Screening Test directly from their website as well as a range of further tests and screenings plus probiotics and period care products.

 👉Buy the Daye test here

And remember to use my exclusive code joindaye-24c94f for 20% off your purchase.

Have you tried a vaginal microbiome test before? 

Still stuck wondering if it’s thrush or BV? 

I’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment or question below.

DISCLAIMER: This page does not provide medical advice; it is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice on any of the topics covered on this page.