Microbiota and Human Reproduction: The Case of Female Infertility

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Genomics

Background:

• Next-generation sequencing reveals diverse microbial communities across the human body, including the reproductive tract.
• Resident microbiota plays a vital role in maintaining health; alterations can lead to dysbiosis and disease.
• The female reproductive microbiota, particularly the vaginal microbiota, is implicated in fertility and assisted reproductive technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the female reproductive system's microbiota.
• To highlight the role of this microbiota in women's health and human reproduction.
• To emphasize its contribution to infertility.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on female reproductive tract microbiota.
• Analysis of next-generation sequencing data availability and impact.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on microbiota's role in reproductive health and infertility.

Main Results:

• The uterus microbiota remains underexplored due to technical challenges like low biomass.
• Microbial dysbiosis in the reproductive tract is associated with pathologies and infertility.
• The vaginal microbiota is better characterized than the uterine microbiota.

Conclusions:

• The female reproductive microbiota is integral to women's health and successful reproduction.
• Understanding the uterine microbiota is critical for advancing reproductive medicine.
• Microbiota-targeted interventions may improve outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies and pregnancy care.