As a health and wellness product reviewer, I’ve seen Seed Health around frequently. Its sleek packaging and robust—and accurate—claims to improve gut health via its probiotic systems captivated me. (In fact, one of our editors previously covered the Daily Synbiotic at The Chalkboard Mag) But it wasn’t until Seed Health launched its VS-01™ Vaginal Synbiotic that I decided to give the brand a try to rebalance my microbiome and the rest of my system.
Despite summer being the time of rest and relaxation, my summer always ends up being rather hectic, so I challenged myself to stick to the regimen. How easy was it to keep up with the routine? How tangible of a difference would it make?
Another challenge for me was the label and product use itself. Frankly, I shy away from suppositories, assuming that “down there” takes care of itself well enough. Aside from my annual gynecologist checkup and keeping on top of my birth control prescription, I figure I don’t need to do much else. But the VS-01™ synbiotic proves me wrong. Here’s why:
The First Clinically Validated Vaginal Synbiotic with 3 proprietary strains of L.crispatus—the hero bacteria for vaginal health
VS-01™ is the first vaginal synbiotic clinically validated to rapidly establish an optimal vaginal microbiome dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus. Research performed by Dr. Jacques Ravel, an established microbiologist, demonstrated the role of this probiotic species in our vaginal microbiome—and realized that 90 percent of women lack dominance of this important bacteria. TL;DR: we should be looking for effective strains of L. crispatus for our best vaginal health.
What it boils down to is this: researchers know that the vaginal microbiome can be impacted by stress, sex, menstruation, diet, medications, and more. So what can we do to restore, balance and stabilize our vaginal microbiomes?
This is where Seed’s VS-01™ Vaginal Synbiotic steps up to the plate, promising to optimize the microbiome with three proprietary L. crispatus strains. A nutrient complex creates the right environment for each strain of protective bacteria to thrive. L. crispatus can protect your vagina from pH disruptions and imbalances.
As for me, I’m pretty celibate nowadays, and haven’t menstruated since receiving a hormonal birth control implant. But my stress and diet are always fluctuating, so I was curious how VS-01™ would assist with any irregular rhythms—especially during summer, when my routine is anything but established. Still, I was nervous about having to insert the vaginal tablets up there, so wasn’t sure if it’d actually end up being part of my routine.
The science behind the product and clinical testing soothed me. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (bless), 90% of participants achieved an optimal vaginal microbiome within only 21 days of use. And crucially? 100 percent of participants maintained an optimal vaginal pH. (Buh-bye, imbalances.)
How It Works and What It Is
There are two stages to your VS-01™ Vaginal Synbiotic system. First, you undergo a 1-month reset to establish an optimal vaginal microbiome. Second, you take a two-tablet monthly protocol to maintain your results. The welcome kit includes your first two months and is $99.99, while the second month is $39.99. Considering the regimen’s proactive nature, it definitely feels worth the price thanks to saving the cost, discomfort, and hassle of any vaginal, uh, disruptions. (Seriously, is there anything worse than running to the drugstore for a down-there problem?)
Instead of targeting the symptoms, you’re targeting the source. You may even be eligible for HSA or FSA coverage at checkout; check with your provider to ask.
The first month includes six vaginal tablets—the Reset protocol—and you should stick as closely to the prescribed schedule as possible.
The second month is the Sustain protocol—just two vaginal tablets for maintenance.
It’s non-toxic, non-irritating, and free of all the bad stuff (including PFAs, preservatives, parabens, BPAs, phthalates, fragrances, dyes, and more.) Seed does note that VS-01™ may not be optimized for women who experience natural dryness, as the product relies on your natural lubrication to work.
Similarly, Seed recommends that you don’t undergo your VS-01™ routine while menstruating heavily. Pick days when you’re not on your period (or it’s really light!)
My Experience Using VS-01™ Vaginal Synbiotic
Using VS-01™ is very similar to inserting a tampon, which put me at ease. You simply load the tablet into one of the included applicators, press to your entrance, and push the inner tube to release it. Dispose normally (but don’t recycle—the applicator is considered a medical device and thus can’t go through that system.)
It feels a little weird to walk and perform activities as normal, because the tablet takes up to 12 hours to dissolve—using your natural lubrication, as mentioned. Similarly, you may not want to hit up your partner or send that late-night text, because you probably shouldn’t be sexually active until it’s fully dissolved.
The Final Verdict
I was admittedly skeptical of the brand’s first non-gut-related launch, but I think in this case that being proactive is the name of the game. Summer normally ushers in a host of issues and discomforts thanks to me practically living in a swimsuit the entire time, so avoiding any sort of vaginal health disruptions was a relief and a time-saver.
My main worry was not being able to stick to the routine, but I actually found the VS-01™ regimen to be really easy to remember (and relatively non-invasive compared to other health and wellness supplements—surprising considering its methodology.) The science backs it up profoundly, and I’m excited to see where Seed Health goes in regards to closing critical gaps in womens’ healthcare.
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.
This story is brought to you in partnership with Seed Health. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers.
