Influence of Endometrial Microbiota on Reproductive Outcomes in IVF Programs | Biomed grid

Introduction: Implantation failures are one of the causes of the inefficiency of IVF programs. Recent studies have shown that in humans, some biotopes such as the uterus and placenta, previously considered sterile, are colonized by their unique microbiota. Disturbance of the uterine microbiota can be one of the reasons for the decline in the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology programs. Materials and methods: A total of 80 patients with infertility were enrolled in the study: group I included the patients with fresh embryo transfer and group II included the patients with frozen-thawed embryo transfer. After routine embryo transfer, the most distal 5 mm portion of the embryo transfer catheter was placed in the sterile container. A study was conducted using culture–based methods with extended nutrient media. Results: In patients with fresh embryo transfer in ovarian hyperstimulation cycle, 28 species of microorganisms were detected. Pregnancy in this group occurred in 20 women (40 %). The microflora was dominated by Lactobacillus spp. (90% of women). In patients with frozen-thawed embryo transfer, 20 species of microorganisms were detected. Pregnancy in this group occurred in 13 women (43.3 %). The microflora was dominated by Lactobacillus spp. (69.2 % of women). Bifidobacterium spp. were significantly more frequently detected in patients of group II than in those of group I (23.3% and 2%, respectively). Conclusion: The evidence of this study suggests that the uterus is not sterile, the uterine microbiota may differ from the cervical canal microbiota, the uterine microbiota is one of the predictors of the success of embryo implantation.