the effect of your vaginal microbiome on your fertility is significant - find out why
What You Need to Know About Your Vaginal Microbiome and How it Impacts Your Fertility
A Defensive Role: A healthy vaginal microbiome protects against pathogens that can harm your fertility. It does this primarily by maintaining an acidic environment.
Sperm Health: Your vaginal microbiome influences sperm’s survival and integrity and supports their journey to the fallopian tubes.
Implantation Success: A balanced microbiome supports embryo implantation, whereas imbalances can increase risks like miscarriages or preterm births.
Avoiding Inflammation: A stable vaginal microbiome reduces inflammation, which can otherwise affect embryo implantation.
Influence on IVF: The composition of your vaginal microbiome may impact the success of IVF treatments.all begins with an idea.
Recent research by Tommy’s has found that there appears to be a link between unexplained miscarriage and the composition of the female microbiome. In a study of 167 women, researchers found that 93 pregnancies ended in miscarriage while 74 reached full term.
They tested the placenta in cases of miscarriage to determine if chromosomal issues were involved. Researchers observed that in miscarriages without chromosomal abnormalities, a low lactobacillus count in the vaginal microbiome was often present.
Interestingly, some women who delivered healthy babies also had low lactobacillus levels. The key difference appeared to be the mother's immune response to the vaginal bacteria. Tommy’s are undertaking further research into this area.
In addition, a recent Dutch study involving women who were undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology or IVF also found that a well-balanced vaginal microbiome with a predominance of Lactobacillus species is associated with potentially more favourable fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
We know that lactobacillus help to maintain the pH levels in the vagina which are crucial for supporting fertile cervical mucus which in turn affects sperm viability and mobility. Lactobacillus also play a role in forming a barrier against infections, which can disrupt reproductive processes and lead to inflammation and reduced fertility.
An imbalance in these beneficial bacteria, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to complications such as bacterial vaginosis, which can increase the risk of infertility, miscarriages, and preterm birth.
So, what can you do to support a healthy vaginal microbiome?
Lifestyle factors like eating a fresh and unprocessed diet, stress management, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics can influence its composition. Additionally, probiotics, particularly those targeting the vaginal flora, have emerged as a potential supportive therapy for women facing fertility challenges.
While the link between the vaginal microbiome and fertility is a complex field, the evidence is all pointing to its growing impact on reproductive health. If you’re trying to conceive it’s definitely worth discussing your vaginal health with your fertility healthcare practitioner to explore ways you can optimise your microbiome for fertility.
If you are working with me to optimise your fertility I often recommend nutritional changes and a vaginal microbiome test which we can organise for you to do at home through Invivo Healthcare. If you’d like to find out more about how we can improve your chances of conceiving, send me a message or book a free discovery call.
