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Review
. 2020 Jun;32(3):169-178.
doi: 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000626.

The vaginal microbiome as a tool to predict IVF success

Sam Schoenmakers  1 , Joop Laven  2
Affiliations
Review

The vaginal microbiome as a tool to predict IVF success

Sam Schoenmakers et al. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Herein, we present an overview of the recent microbiome research and findings within the field of reproductive medicine and its relation with the outcome of Assisted reproductive technology (ART). Analyses of the microbiome composition all throughout the female reproductive trace during the process of assisted reproductive techniques are discussed.

Recent findings: Only the vaginal microbiome can be sampled without possible risks of contamination. Although this also seems to apply to the cervical microbiome, collection has to be performed with extreme caution. Because of the high risk of cross contamination, results of microbial composition of all other sites of the female reproductive tract have to be interpreted with caution. The vaginal composition prior to the start of hormonal treatment for ART seems to be predictive of in vitro fertilization/in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/IVF-ICSI) outcome, with mainly a highly negative predictive value.

Summary: The local microbiota, especially the absence or presence of specific microbes, within parts of the female reproductive tract seem to be associated with the outcome of ART.

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References

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    1. Adamson GD, de Mouzon J, Chambers GM, et al. International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology: world report on assisted reproductive technology, 2011. Fertil Steril 2018; 110:1067–1080.
    1. De Geyter C. Assisted reproductive technology: Impact on society and need for surveillance. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 33:3–8.
    1. Koedooder R, Mackens S, Budding A, et al. Identification and evaluation of the microbiome in the female and male reproductive tracts. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:298–325.

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