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Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
Microenvironment of the Lower Reproductive Tract: Focus on the Cervical Mucus Plug
Susana Ruiz-Durán1,2, Celia M Tenorio3, Irene Vico-Zúñiga1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain.
None:
The female lower reproductive tract microbiota is a complex ecosystem comprising various microorganisms that play a pivotal role in maintaining women's reproductive well-being. During pregnancy, the vaginal microbiota undergoes dynamic changes that are important for a successful gestation. This review summarizes the implications of the cervical mucus plug microenvironment and its profound impact on reproductive health. Further, the symbiotic relationship between the vaginal microbiome and the cervical mucus plug is highlighted, with a special emphasis on how this natural barrier serves as a guardian against ascending infections. Understanding this complex host-microbes interplay could pave the way for innovative approaches to improve women's reproductive health and fertility.
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