The diagnostic swab can detect STIs, UTIs and yeast infections without an office visit

Say goodbye to beams.

Women’s health startup Daye is selling a “vaginal microbiome test” in the form of a tampon that users wear and then mail in for testing — and it can detect everything from infections to potential fertility problems.

Daye has a range of menstrual products for women, including organic tampons available at Walmart, CBD-infused tampons to combat period pain – which will set you back $24.99 for a box of 18 – and hemp pillows.

In late 2023, they launched a vaginal microbiome home screening kit that can test levels of lactobacilli (a good bacteria), anaerobic bacteria (which can cause bacterial vaginosis) and candida (the fungus responsible for yeast infections of yeasts) inside. vaginal.

They also test for mycoplasma, a strain of which can cause infection that can lead to fertility problems.

And soon, they will also be able to test for STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV and trichomoniasis.

The $125 at-home kit, which is also available on Amazon, takes the hassle out of an office visit by allowing patients to simply insert the diagnostic swab for 20 minutes, just like any other swab — but they don’t . they don’t have to be on their period.

After sending it to a lab, they will receive results within 5-10 days, as well as treatment options and the option to book a telehealth consultation.

Some Amazon reviewers have raved about how discreet it is, with one saying she likes “the fact that you can easily do this test completely privately in the comfort of your own home, it helps a lot especially when you suffer from anxiety like I do.”

This week, Time named the Daye tampon one of the top innovations of the year, with Daye CEO Valentina Milanova telling the media that it raises the “low standard of care” she and other women experience for gynecological needs.

“Many infections currently go undiagnosed because of barriers in the healthcare system,” she told Well to Do in May.

“Ultimately, by creating innovative products, fostering an open dialogue and reframing gynecological issues as integral to human health – not just ‘female problems’ – we are removing the stigmas that have hindered progress for generations.”

Next, they’re working on hemp swabs and water-soluble applicators to try to be more durable, while their test kit already comes with an applicator made from sugar cane.

They also sell a $20 “Your Vagina Smells Just Fine” candle, no doubt a nod to Gwyneth Paltrow’s infamous “This Smells Like My Vagina” candle that costs $75 on Goop.