A Mini‑Review of Photodynamic Therapy for Restoring Cervicovaginal Microbiome: A Novel Approach in Female Infertility...

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been investigated as a minimally invasive approach that could enhance reproductive health by preserving the reproductive tract microbiome. The disturbances in the reproductive tract microbiome, including the loss of Lactobacillus-dominated communities and the overgrowth of opportunistic or pathogenic bacteria, are associated with infertility. PDT can be used to eliminate specific pathogens or precancerous lesions, and may modulate the microbiome in the female genital tract. Unlike conventional antimicrobial treatments, which may also affect beneficial microorganisms, PDT can selectively inactivate pathogenic microbes through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Maintaining a balanced cervicovaginal microbiome is of great importance in achieving reproductive success. By reducing pathogenic microbial load and limiting damage to commensal bacteria, PDT may contribute to improving microbial balance in the cervicovaginal environment. In recent years, there has been increasing attention to therapeutic strategies in reproductive medicine that preserve the microbiome, emphasizing the importance of methods that control infection while maintaining a balanced microbial ecosystem. This narrative mini‑review summarizes current findings on the use of PDT for microbial modulation in the female reproductive tract and discusses its relevance in the treatment of infertility associated with reproductive tract microbial dysbiosis.