Simplify | Personal Care

Frequently asked questions

Hi. Still have questions about how it works?

Answered below are a few common inquiries about FemBiome™.
If you don't find your questions answered herein, kindly contact us.

• Who can take the test?

  This test is meant for women and people with vagina likely experiencing conditions such as recurrent UTIs, infections, fertility issues or are curious to learn more about the microbial community residing in their vagina. It is advised to schedule this test at least 7 days after end date of your last menses and at least a week after any antibiotics application. This test is only meant to enhance your understanding of vaginal microbiome and how it impacts your well-being. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition(s) and it is not a medical device. This test does not replace your physician consultation sought when experiencing issues of the genital tract. It may offer additional educational information for your consideration, in combination with your physician advice.

• Is my health information protected?

  Yes, we store your information securely and comply with various data privacy regulations including HIPPA, GINA, GDPR and PDPA. We do not share your information with any third party. Your samples are processed in our labs without any personally identifiable information (PII). Each sample is tagged with a unique identifier upon member registration.

• How do I collect the sample?

  Please follow the instructions in the sample collection kit that will be delivered to your upon successful registration and payment. Swabbing should be done in the correct area to get accurate results. Please contact our health professional team for advice, if you suspect that you may not have used the swab correctly.

• When should I mail back the sample?

  You should mail back your sample to us for processing ideally within a few hours of sample collection. The swab containing your sample in the buffer solution is stable at room temperature for at least a few days or weeks when stored in a cool dry place prior to shipping.

• What information can I expect in my report?

  You will receive a report with information about beneficial and harmful micro-organisms (including bacteria, viruses and fungi) that were found in your sample, and how the results compare to a healthy population. In addition, we report an assessment of potential risk for several health conditions. This may help you understand your vaginal health comprehensively. We also provide personalized, actionable recommendations on foods, supplements and hygiene to help your better address your personal care needs.

• How can this test be of benefit to my health?

  An imbalance in the vaginal microbiome may potentially cause an increase in harmful micro-organisms including certain Gardenella and Candida species that can cause infections of the genital tract, recurrent urinary tract infections, fertility issues, pregnancy or menopause related conditions or even ovarian, cervix or endometrial cancers. This test may help to assess and help to identify ways to maintain this balance of the vaginal ecosystem for holistic health.