Farrah, a dancer from Ohio, was fed up with her vaginal pain and odor. After two years of unsuccessful treatment by doctors, she turned to New Eve, an at-home testing kit company, which diagnosed her with aerobic vaginitis and provided supplements that alleviated her discomfort.

This is one example of a growing trend: women using at-home tests to monitor their vaginal microbiome. The market for these kits is booming, with companies like TinyHealth, Juno Bio and Evvy capitalizing on the interest.

The test results have become a point of obsession among some women in online communities such as /r/healthyhoohah. Some are striving to optimize their vaginal bacteria ratios, while others use the tests regularly to prevent future infections. However, experts question whether these tests are truly beneficial or if they simply create more anxiety.

Longevity researcher Kayla Barnes-Lentz takes her test about twice a year, using Evvy, in an effort to boost her protective bacteria levels and stay ahead of age-related decline. Meanwhile, Evvy founder Priyanka Jain reports that the vast majority of their customers have preexisting vaginal health issues, but 50 percent are regular subscribers, taking the test every three months.

The lack of research in this field means there is still no formal approval from the FDA for these at-home kits. This raises questions about whether they truly empower women or further complicate their already complex relationship with their health.