A woman's vaginal microbiome has been described as being among the 'top 1%' after her partner shared the results of a test measuring the bacteria in her vagina. The claim has drawn attention to a growing trend of women testing their vaginal microbiomes to monitor their health and improve their results.

Kate Tolo, partner of biohacker Bryan Johnson, reportedly tests her vaginal microbiome every morning. Johnson previously shared her results online, claiming she scored 100 out of 100 because her microbiome was dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus, a bacterial species commonly associated with vaginal health.

Tolo has also entered the vaginal testing market, launching her own at-home test in November 2026, according to a LADbible report published on 4 November. However, experts have questioned whether these tests can reliably measure overall vaginal health, particularly in women without symptoms.

The Vaginal Microbiome Plays an Important Role in Women's Health

The vaginal microbiome is the community of microorganisms that naturally live in the vagina. In many women, it is dominated by Lactobacillus bacteria, which produce lactic acid that helps maintain an acidic environment and limit the growth of certain harmful microorganisms.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a form of vaginal dysbiosis, involving a shift away from the usual balance of vaginal bacteria towards higher concentrations of certain anaerobic microorganisms.

However, the vaginal microbiome is dynamic and can change with menstruation, pregnancy, sexual activity and other factors. A test taken on one day may not reflect the same bacterial composition weeks later.

A 'Top 1%' Result Does Not Mean There Is a Perfect Vagina

In a May 2026 report, WIRED examined the growing market for at-home vaginal microbiome tests. It reported that Johnson shared Tolo's results, which showed a high proportion of Lactobacillus crispatus, and described her score as placing her among the top 1%.

However, vaginal microbiomes naturally differ between individuals. Some women have relatively low levels of lactobacilli without experiencing health problems.

A 2024 review in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology also discussed how age, hormones and population differences influence vaginal microbiome composition.

Consequently, a score considered desirable by one testing company should not automatically be treated as a universal measure of vaginal health.

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At-Home Tests Cannot Replace Clinical Diagnosis

At-home kits can identify microorganisms in vaginal samples, but detecting bacteria is not the same as diagnosing an infection.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends molecular tests for bacterial vaginosis in women with symptoms such as unusual discharge, odour or itching. Their accuracy in women without symptoms has not been well established.

Some testing services may also recommend antibiotics or probiotics based on results. However, treatments without a clear medical indication may be unnecessary.

LADbible reported that Tolo's at-home test was not FDA-cleared or approved at the time of publication. Consumers should therefore avoid using its results as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Symptoms Matter More Than Chasing a Microbiome Score

Researchers still need more evidence to establish which microbiome results are clinically meaningful and whether interventions based on them improve health outcomes.

Women do not need to achieve a particular bacterial percentage to have a healthy vagina. The NHS advises against douching and using perfumed soaps, gels and other scented hygiene products around the genital area, as these can cause irritation and disrupt the vagina's natural balance.

Persistent unusual discharge, strong odour, itching, irritation or pain should prompt medical advice rather than repeated self-testing.

Although vaginal microbiome research could improve understanding of women's health, a 'top 1%' result should not be confused with a guarantee of better health.

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