Frequently Asked Questions
How do you identify & screen VMT donors?
Our donors have zero history of BV, yeast vaginitis, or sexually transmitted infections, and they answer a survey similar to those given to blood donors, but with additional questions specific to genitourinary health. Most who have applied to be donors become ineligible at this step.
Those few incredibly healthy women who pass the survey round receive vaginal microbiome testing using the most advanced sequencing technology known to humans: whole genome sequencing. This unfortunately eliminates some others who have applied to be donors.
The healthy women who meet the very high bar for vaginal microbiome health are then screened for pathogens, with tests including but not limited to:
Blood:
CBC
CMP-14
Hemoglobin A1c
HIV 1 & 2
RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) with reflex to titer
Hepatitis screening:
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Antibody, Total with reflex to IgM
Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) (with reflex to confirm)
Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs)
Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total (anti-HBc)
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody with reflex to Quantitative Real-time PCR
Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus 1, 2 (HTLV-1/HTLV-2), Qualitative
Rubella, IgM
TORCH panel:
CMV, IgM
Parvovirus, IgM
Toxoplasma, IgM
Urine:
Urinalysis (complete with microscopic evaluation)
Vaginal swab:
Screening for BV: Includes visual assessment of fluid, microscopy for clue cells, whiff test, and pH measurement.
Cervical cytology
HPV DNA, High Risk, Cervical
Bacterial Vaginosis/Vaginitis Panel (Garnerella, Trich, Candida etc)
Chlamydia/Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 and 2
Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma Panel
Streptococcus Group A Culture
Streptococcus Group B Culture
How much does VMT cost?
The initial 60-min telehealth appointment to review your health history costs $325
If you haven’t had vaginal microbiome testing, the test we use typically costs $199, but we cover some of the cost ourselves, bringing the price down to $100.
The total cost of one dose of VMT is $990:
$190 for the office visit
$800 for one dose of VMT
The total cost of two doses of VMT is $1880:
$190 for each office visit
$1500 for two doses of VMT
The total cost of three doses of VMT is $2670:
$190 for each office visit
$2100 for three doses of VMT
Follow-up 30-min telehealth appointments are $190.
Is there anything I should know about scheduling my trip to Portland?
Schedule your appointments for a time when you are not menstruating or ovulating
Abstain from using any intravaginal products 12-24h before and after your VMT appointments, if possible
Abstain from vaginal intercourse for 24h before and after your VMT appointments
Our office manager Payton can help you with any questions about lodging near the clinic, or things to do while you’re in Portland
What can I expect at my appointment?
Dr. Long believes that patients should be physically and emotionally comfortable during sensitive treatments like VMT, and her treatment approach and our clinical environment reflect that. VMT can be speculum-assisted or manually delivered, and Dr. Long will help you to determine the best approach for you.