What You Should Know:
– Evvy, a pioneering company dedicated to closing the gender health gap through vaginal microbiome biomarkers, has introduced revolutionary Fertility Insights within its flagship Vaginal Microbiome Test.
– As the first and only validated, at-home, mNGS (metagenomic next-generation sequencing) vaginal microbiome test, Evvy is now expanding its capabilities to provide science-backed insights into fertility. This innovation addresses a critical yet often overlooked aspect of reproductive health: the impact of the vaginal microbiome.
Vaginal Microbial Imbalance
The vaginal microbiome, comprised of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, plays a pivotal role in reproductive health. Imbalances within this ecosystem can lead to increased inflammation and infection risks in the reproductive tract, hindering conception. Conversely, a microbiome dominated by protective bacteria, such as Lactobacillus crispatus, is linked to improved fertility, successful implantation, and healthier pregnancy outcomes.
Despite research linking vaginal microbial imbalances to infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and preterm birth, comprehensive vaginal microbiome testing has historically been inaccessible. With one-third of infertility cases diagnosed as “unexplained,” Evvy is bridging this gap by offering first-of-its-kind, fertility-specific insights.
How Evvy’s New Fertility Insights Work
Evvy’s science and clinical teams have combined the latest research with data from their extensive dataset to identify key microbial signatures associated with fertility outcomes. This has resulted in the creation of new insights, now integrated into Evvy’s test results:
- Protective Score: Measures the levels of protective bacteria, such as Lactobacillus (particularly L. crispatus), which are associated with positive fertility outcomes, lower inflammation, and better pregnancy outcomes.
- Microbiome Diversity Score: Assesses overall microbiome diversity, with higher diversity linked to poorer IVF and pregnancy outcomes.
- Fertility Disruptors: Identifies bacteria specifically associated with negative fertility outcomes, including Fannyhessea, Gardnerella, and Prevotella.
- STI Testing (Add-on): Evvy’s STI + PCR test panel screens for sexually transmitted infections, which are directly linked to infertility and pregnancy complications, and offers treatment through their platform.
For each insight, Evvy provides context, showing where results fall within optimal fertility ranges based on current research. In addition to these insights, Evvy offers personalized care protocols, including prescription treatments, lifestyle recommendations, and 1:1 health coaching, to optimize the vaginal microbiome.
Research/Validation
An upcoming publication, currently under review, highlights the effectiveness of Evvy’s care platform in improving vaginal microbiome health, including the markers underlying the new Fertility Insights. Through Evvy’s test and care platform, individuals can proactively test and improve their microbiome health before trying to conceive, undergoing IVF, or addressing unexplained infertility. This empowers individuals to take control of their reproductive health, potentially saving thousands of dollars in fertility treatments.
Availability
Evvy’s Vaginal Microbiome Test is available in all 50 states, starting at $129 at Evvy.com. Fertility Insights will be automatically included in test results for purchases made after March 18th.
“For too long, fertility has been treated like a black box — leaving millions of people searching for answers with no clear path forward,” said Priyanka Jain, co-founder and CEO of Evvy. “By expanding our Vaginal Microbiome Test to include fertility insights, we’re giving people the power to take control of their reproductive health with comprehensive testing and data-driven, personalized care.”
