Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
08:15
Author Spotlight: Revolutionizing Research on Vaginal Microbiome Interactions Using a Vaginal Chip
Published on: February 16, 2024
2.3K
The Vaginal Microbiome Changes During Various Fertility Treatments
M M van den Tweel1,2, E H A van den Munckhof3, M van der Zanden2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|February 21, 2024
Summary
Hormonal treatments during fertility procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) can negatively impact the vaginal microbiome, decreasing beneficial Lactobacilli. This may affect pregnancy outcomes, suggesting potential benefits from adjusting treatment timing or strategies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
- Microbiome Research
- Gynecologic Health
Background:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is linked to reduced fecundity and adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.
- The influence of hormonal stimulation protocols used in fertility treatments on the vaginal microbiome composition remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of hormonal treatments on the vaginal microbiome during fertility treatments, focusing on changes in Lactobacilli abundance.
- To explore the relationship between vaginal microbiome alterations and pregnancy outcomes in individuals undergoing intra uterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 53 couples undergoing fertility treatments (IUI, IVF, ICSI) between July 2019 and August 2022.
- Vaginal samples collected at multiple time points during treatment cycles.
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) for BV detection and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbiome analysis.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in Lactobacilli percentage was observed during fertility treatments, indicating a shift in the vaginal microbiome.
- 24% of participants tested positive for BV via qPCR, with 9 individuals transitioning from BV-negative to BV-positive status during treatment.
- No significant difference in the Shannon diversity index was found between groups or over time, though a trend towards higher diversity in those who developed BV was noted.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal treatments in fertility settings can lead to vaginal dysbiosis, characterized by reduced Lactobacilli, potentially impacting treatment success.
- Monitoring vaginal microbiome status during fertility treatments may be beneficial.
- Consideration of treatment timing, lifestyle adjustments, or a 'freeze-all' strategy could mitigate negative effects of vaginal microbiome deterioration.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
1.1K
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
1.1K
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
361
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
361
01:24In Vitro Fertilization
261
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
261
01:28Infertility in Females
293
Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
293
02:07Oogenesis
63.7K
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
63.7K