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Fertility factors & vaginal microbiome:
Researchers conducted 16S rRNA sequencing on samples from 85 participants (xu et al., 2020)
Age and elevated estradiol was linked to increased Streptococcus agalactiae
High basal E2 correlated with reduced Lactobacillus iners and Lactobacillus plantarum
Escherichia coli was found to be higher in women with tubal obstruction, prolonged menstrual cycles, and elevated antral follicle count
Prevotella intermedia and unclassified Shewanella were also found to be linked to tubal obstruction
Specific bacteria (Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae) were found to be potential biomarkers for reproductive health
Factors in human production:
One study aimed to explore lifestyle, nutrition, and epigenetics (D’Argenio et al., 2021)
It was found that lifestyle elements including activity, stress and sleep can impact fertility
It was also found that nutrition including folate, vitamin D and antioxidant intake influences the success of IVF
Genital microbiome & infertility:
Imbalance of Lactobacilli, especially Lactobacillus crispatus, has been linked to infertility and can negatively impact on assisted reproductive treatments (Vitale et al., 2021)
Escherichia coli was linked to primary infertility
Ureaplasma and Garnerella vaginalis were both linked to bacterial vaginosis which is also thought to negatively affect fertility
Lack and Lactobacillus in endometrium was associated with embryo implantation difficulties which could be further hindered by an imbalance of the cervix microbiome
Vaginal microbiota & pregnancy:
A study of 2,313 pregnant women identified Lactobacillus crispatus as protective, reducing diversity and adverse outcomes (Baud et al., 2023)
They also found that lower Lactobacillus was linked to higher diversity and increased preterm delivery risks
Gardnerella vaginalis was also associated with diverse community states.
They observed co-occurrence variations with Candida albicans and Ureaplasma species
At Sequential:
Our Scientific Advisor Professor Phillip Bennett has been one of the key pioneers in researching the vaginal microbiome. In particular, to understand and characterise the impact of the vaginal microbiome on preterm labour.
The delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome can be thrown off if incorrect intimate care products are used atop of it resulting in unwanted conditions.
Sequential has made it its mission to uncover the true impact of formulations on the microbiome across varying human conditions (bacterial vaginosis, etc.). At present, our database of over 18,000 human microbiome samples is one of the most sophisticated within the industry.
References:
Baud, A., Hillion, KH., Plainvert, C. et al. Microbial diversity in the vaginal microbiota and its link to pregnancy outcomes. Sci Rep 13, 9061 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-36126-z
D’Argenio V, Dittfeld L, Lazzeri P, Tomaiuolo R, Tasciotti E. Unraveling the Balance between Genes, Microbes, Lifestyle and the Environment to Improve Healthy Reproduction. Genes. 2021; 12(4):605. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12040605
Vitale SG, Ferrari F, Ciebiera M, Zgliczyńska M, Rapisarda AMC, Vecchio GM, Pino A, Angelico G, Knafel A, Riemma G, et al. The Role of Genital Tract Microbiome in Fertility: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022; 23(1):180. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010180
Xu J, Bian G, Zheng M, Lu G, Chan WY, Li W, Yang K, Chen ZJ, Du Y. Fertility factors affect the vaginal microbiome in women of reproductive age. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2020 Apr;83(4):e13220. doi: 10.1111/aji.13220. Epub 2020 Jan 21. PMID: 31925865; PMCID: PMC7078941.
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