Diagnostic tampon detects STIs, UTIs and yeast infections

Say goodbye to the stirrups.

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

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

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

They also test for mycoplasma, a type of which can cause infection that may lead to fertility issues.

And coming soon, they’ll 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, does away with the discomfort of an office visit, allowing patients to simply insert the diagnostic tampon for 20 minutes, the same as they would with any other tampon — but they don’t need to be on their period.

After mailing it back to a lab, they’ll get results in 5-10 days, as well as treatment options and the opportunity to book a telehealth consultation.

Several Amazon reviewers have raved about how discreet it is, with one saying she loves “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 Daye’s tampon as one of its top innovations of the year, with Daye CEO Valentina Milanova telling the outlet that it raises the “low standard of care” that she and other women experience for gynecological needs.

“Many infections currently go undiagnosed due to 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’re chipping away at the stigmas that have held back progress for generations.”

Next up, they’re working on hemp tampons and water-soluble applicators in an effort to be more sustainable, while their test kit already comes with an applicator made from sugarcane.

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 goes for $75 on Goop.