The table below lists the differences among AV, BV, and CV. The microbiology test provides important information to help reach a conclusive diagnosis, but signs and symptoms need to be considered before making a diagnosis because false positive lab test may occur.
Understanding Vaginal Microbiome Test Results:
Modern vaginal microbiome tests use next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, a robotic and reliable system. However, if your symptoms don’t match the results, it could indicate a false positive. Possible causes include:
- Recent Antibiotic Use (within 7 days): Antibiotics can kill vaginal bacteria, but NGS detects dead bacteria DNA, leading to misleading results.
- Recent Probiotic Use: Oral or vaginal probiotics (including yogurt or probiotic suppositories) may contain dead Lactobacillus, creating a false impression of a healthy microbiome.
- Fungal Test Accuracy: While antibiotics or probiotics may affect bacterial results, fungal results remain accurate. Review the fungal report for yeast infections like Candida albicans. Treat yeast first before addressing bacterial issues.
Next Steps After False Positive Test Results Are Suspected:
Retest: Avoid antibiotics and probiotics for at least 7 days before doing a lab test again.
DIY test: If you can’t wait, perform a quick self-diagnosis:
- How to measure vaginal pH?: pH <4.5 suggests normal or CV; >4.5 suggests BV or AV.
- Whiff Test (insert a Q-tip for 1 minute. Smell it): : A fishy odor indicates BV; no odor suggests AV or CV.
- Discharge Color: Clear = normal or CV; gray = BV; yellow = AV.
- Pain: Constant pain may indicate AV; pain before periods points to CV; BV often lacks pain.
Based on your findings, choose appropriate treatments while awaiting confirmation from a lab retest. Adjust treatment if necessary once results arrive to ensure faster relief.
For yeast infections, consider products like Yeast Reset.