MyMicrobiome Standard 41.10 – Vaginal microbiome

Even though the microbial diversity of the vaginal microbiome is very low compared to other body regions, it is a unique ecosystem. Its function is to maintain the pH in the right range and to ward off pathogens.

The vaginal flora is very sensitive. It is important to protect this area as best as possible to be spared from imbalance.

The products to be tested include tampons, menstrual cups and sponges, panties, panty liners, pads, and period underwear.

MyMicrobiome Standard 41.10 tests on three key bacteria for the vaginal area:

Lactobacillus crispatus

Lactobacillus gasseri

Lactobacillus jensenii

The test procedure for Standard 41.10 - vaginal microbiome

The textile product undergoes four test phases as part of the "Microbiome-friendly" certification.

1. Quality test

The quality test ensures that the textile products are sterile, and our microbiological tests can be carried out with the skin microorganisms. Therefore, textiles are washed according to the manufacturers' instructions beforehand. A screening examines the occurrence of mesophilic and aerobic microorganisms. For decontamination, the products are UV-irradiated or autoclaved. Hygiene products are sterilized through UV light exposure.

2. Balance test

The balance between the most common vaginal bacterium L. crispatus and the harmful bacterium G. vaginalis should not be disturbed by the textile product. A co-culture with both bacterial strains is mixed with the textile for a certain time and then the ratio of the two microbes is compared with the untreated control group. This must not change in favor of G. vaginalis under the influence of the textile product.

3. Diversity test

The textile product to be tested is added to a culture of specific microbes typical for the vagina. After a certain incubation period, the change in diversity among the different microorganisms is compared with the untreated control group. The diversity of the microbiome in terms of the most important key microbes must be maintained.

4. Vitality test

A microbiome-friendly textile product for the vaginal area should not undesirably influence the vitality of the individual microbes. This test simulates direct skin contact of the microbes - considered individually. The growth of the microorganisms is compared with an untreated control group and must neither be significantly reduced nor stimulated.

"A large number of chemicals are used in the manufacture of textiles. These pollute the environment and have a potentially negative impact on our skin microbiome. With our certification, consumers get transparency and the opportunity to choose for their health."

Dr. Kristin Neumann, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer