This game-changing test can help you banish a UTI or vaginal infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly painful and, in rare cases, can lead to serious complications like kidney damage or blood poisoning, which may prove fatal.

They’re one of the most common types of infection, and affect around 400 million people worldwide every year. Last year, NHS data revealed that between 2018–19 and 2022–23, there were 1.8 million hospital admissions involving UTIs in the UK alone.

Research shows that women are up to 30 times more likely to develop UTIs than men. For 25%–30% of women who suffer from a UTI, the infection will return within six months.

What are UTIs? 

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, affect the urinary tract, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. According to the NHS, the most common symptoms include:

• A feeling of pain or a burning sensation when you need to pee

• The need to pee more frequently 

• A need to pee more frequently at night

• Your urine suddenly looking cloudy and or containing blood

• Pain in your lower stomach, your back or just underneath your ribs

• A very high temperature or a hot or shivery feeling

• A temperature below 36C

Children can also get UTIs. Symptoms may include a high temperature, general unwellness, or vomiting. Small children or babies might become irritable and struggle to feed properly.

In older adults, UTIs can sometimes be mistaken for dementia due to the sudden onset of severe confusion.

Understanding common vaginal infections

Beyond UTIs, many women experience various vaginal infections that can significantly impact their quality of life. These include: 

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age, affecting up to 1 in 3 women. Symptoms include unusual vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell, white or grey discharge and/or discomfort during intercourse. 

• Cytolytic vaginosis (CV), is often misdiagnosed as thrush, but it’s caused by an overgrowth of good bacteria. 

• Thrush, a common yeast infection that affects most women at some point. It’s characterised by thick, white discharge, intense itching, redness and swelling and a burning sensation while peeing. 

• Aerobic vaginitis (AV), an inflammatory condition that can cause long-term discomfort. 

• Trichomoniasis, which is an STI that requires specific treatment. 

More information, help and support for sufferers of recurrent or chronic UTI can be found online at Live UTI Free or CUTIC.

What causes UTIs and vaginal infections?

UTIs usually occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and spread to the bladder. The most common culprit is Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria excreted in faeces. Similarly, bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when there's an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina, primarily Gardnerella vaginalis, which disrupts the normal bacterial balance. This imbalance can develop when harmful bacteria outnumber the beneficial bacteria that typically keep the vaginal environment healthy.

Common causes of both UTIs and vaginal infections include:

• Improper wiping after using the toilet

• Sexual activity, where bacteria from the genitals or anus enter the urethra

• Perfumed products in intimate areas, which can irritate the urethra

Women are particularly susceptible because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, making bacterial transfer easier to the bladder.

Certain conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, flu, and chronic stress, can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to UTIs. Pregnancy hormones also change the urinary tract, while menopause can alter the vaginal and bladder microbiome due to decreased oestrogen levels.

At home testing is the first step to discovering the DNA makeup of a vaginal swab or urine sample

What is the issue with current UTI and vaginal infection testing?

Current NHS tests for UTIs include:

1. Dipstick tests: A method developed in the 1800s using chemical-coated paper strips to detect bacteria, blood, or proteins in urine.

2. Urine cultures: Based on research from 1957, this method was initially designed to diagnose kidney infections in pregnant women, making it less representative of acute cystitis cases.

In 2017, Prof. Jennifer Rohn, head of Urological Biology at University College London’s (UCL’s) Department of Renal Medicine in the Division of Medicine at the Royal Free Hospital conducted research comparing traditional urine testing with modern DNA testing. Her study of 33 patients revealed that conventional methods diagnosed only six correctly, highlighting the need for more accurate testing.

This has been a recurring concern within the Mumsnet community:

"I’ve had [a] long history with UTI issues that didn’t show up on dipstick tests," user Charrin10 wrote. "Doctors kept fobbing me off, saying it wasn’t a UTI and blaming anxiety."

“It was pain and burning around the vulva with increased discharge. I had aerobic vaginitis which I got diagnosed through the digital microbiology swab,” shares Muledcide.

And from Peanutbutterfan: “OP my sister had real issues with this, something to do with the NHS lab tests not being sensitive enough to pick up an infection.” 

Treatment challenges

Most UTIs and vaginal infections are treated with a short course of antibiotics. However, without knowing which bacteria the clinician is fighting, this may not always be effective and may increase the chances of recurrent infections and antibiotic resistance.

A report by the World Health Organisation found that up to 65% of UTIs which are caused by E. coli are resistant to ciprofloxacin, one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics.

False-negative test results can also delay treatment, allowing the infection to spread to the kidneys or bloodstream (sepsis), which requires urgent medical attention.

What is DNA testing?

Digital Microbiology, a not-for-profit organisation committed to improving women’s health, has developed an innovative at-home DNA test that aims to end recurrent infections.

This unique test explores the entire DNA makeup of a vaginal swab or urine sample. It offers a full understanding of all the organisms present in the sample provided, including bacteria, yeast, viruses and even some parasites.

The test can:

• Help pinpoint the bacteria most likely responsible for a UTI

• Allow patients and GPs determine which antibiotics will be most effective

• Highlight microbes that could cause future infections and provide advice on prevention

The test can diagnose the following conditions:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

• Fungal infections, including thrush

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

• Aerobic Vaginosis (AV)

• Cytolytic Vaginosis (CV)

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Trichomoniasis (Trich)

The home-testing urine and swab kits are available in over 30 countries across the UK and Europe, with results processed in less than two working days.

The team at Digital Microbiology were keen to develop this test due to the startling amount of sufferers of UTIs who feel let down by current testing systems, as well as a resistance to the antibiotics typically offered.

Digital Microbiology also offers follow-up testing to check treatment effectiveness. If the initial treatment proves ineffective, they can re-test the sample against a range of antibiotics to identify a better option.

With Digital Microbiology’s at-home testing kits, you can collect and send off your sample with ease

How can you order a test?

Digital Microbiology currently offers three at-home testing kits: a urine only test kit to identify candidates for a UTI, a vaginal swab only test kit that looks for causes of BV, AV, CV, STIs, Trich and Thrush and a combined urine and vaginal swab tests kit to test for all.

To order:

1. Select your desired test online and receive your test kit (with free UK shipping) within 1–2 working days.

2. Return the sample using the prepaid packaging provided.

3. Complete a questionnaire about your symptoms.

About Digital Microbiology

As a not-for-profit organisation, Digital Microbiology is committed to making these tests as accessible as possible while working towards integration with NHS services. Their mission is to empower women to take control of their health through accurate, comprehensive testing and appropriate treatment guidance.

About the author

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the latest and best products, services and events that are worth your purchase. As a mother herself, she knows all too well how hard it can be to plan Christmas events with children. So, you can trust that she’s fully invested in making sure you receive the best recommendations.

Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.

Disclaimer: Prof. Jennifer Rohn is an independent professional and is not affiliated with Digital Microbiology or its parent company, SBL.