The female microbiota and its influence in the search for pregnancy

Recently, much is being studied about the vaginal microbiota and the endometrial microbiota and their possible influence on the search for pregnancy. 

In fact, the general interest in the microbiota and all the influence it can have on health in general, and on fertility in particular, has not stopped increasing in the last 20 years.

What is the microbiota? 

The microbiota (also popularly known as flora) is the set of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites (microorganisms in general) that live within us and with us, and that have an important influence on certain biological functions. 

And yes, also in fertility. 

Places of the body that present microbiota

Each area of ​​the body has its own microbiota, and in fact, there is no exposed part of our body that does not have its own ecosystem.
In addition, each of these areas has a flora with specific characteristics. 

In addition, when there is an affectation or an imbalance in the local microbiota (what is known as dysbiosis) it gives rise to different pathologies: gastroenteritis, urinary infections, more tendency to cavities or periodontitis, or even acne (among many other affectations). 

The different types of microbiota according to their location:

• gut microbiota Probably the best known and most extensive of all. The composition of this intestinal flora depends on many factors, including diet, where you live, the type of delivery that has taken place, healthy habits, or stress, smoking, or the (excessive) use of antibiotics. You can analyze your intestinal microbiota with this test here.   

• Oral microbiota (ORL) This is the oto (ear) rhino (nose) and laryngeal (mouth and throat) microbiota. You can test the state and balance of your oral microbiota with this test. 

• respiratory microbiota It is the set of microorganisms that colonize both the upper respiratory tract, as well as the lungs and bronchi. 
• skin microbiota The sets of microorganisms that live on the skin act as a protective barrier, both at the immunological, chemical and physical level. 
• urinary microbiota The urinary microbiota is another of the great unknowns, but it also has a great role in protecting against diseases, and in the case of dysbiosis, it causes urinary diseases. You can see how the urinary microbiota is in this test here. 
• reproductive microbiota Despite the fact that the vaginal microbiota is beginning to be somewhat more studied, the microbiota of the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus where implantation occurs) is much less known, although it is estimated that it is relevant in the search for pregnancy. Not to mention the seminal microbiota... 

When to study the microbiota in the search for pregnancy

Until a few years ago, the field of the microbiome was so unknown that it was not even considered that there were microorganisms inside the uterus, something that has ended up being shown not to be true. 

In fact, in the womb there is a very rich microbiota. On some occasions, the microbiota is studied to see if it has any relationship when there are difficulties in getting pregnant. 

This microbiota is studied, both in search of pregnancy naturally and in assisted reproduction processes: 

• When there are abortions of repetitions. 
• If repeat infections occur. 
• When pregnancy does not come due to an unknown cause, it is interesting to review the microbiota. 

In fact, in our practice, in cases of assisted reproduction, we analyze the microbiota even without having any prior cause. Since a medical process so relevant and important begins that, before transferring an embryo it is interesting to evaluate the microbiota with a test, both for heterosexual couples with diagnoses of subfertility or infertility, as well as single mothers or couples of women. 

Thus, we make sure that everything is correct and that the implantation can take place without problems (as far as the microbiota is concerned). 

Ways to analyze female microbiota in fertility: teletest

The female microbiota can be studied in two ways: either in the vagina, or directly in the endometrium. 

We are going to see what both ways of analyzing the female flora imply: both pros and cons, as well as the uses of each of the tests. 

Both in the microbiota tests in the vagina and in the endometrium, the process is very similar, in the case of doing the analysis with Teletest, a kit is received at home, and... let's see the differences between the two. 

Advantages and disadvantages of analyzing the microbiota in the vagina

When you receive the kit at home, you can directly take the test to analyze the microbiota of your vagina. You must read the test manufacturer's instructions, but you will see that it is very simple. 

Remember that you can purchase your vaginal microbiota test at TELETEST with a 10% discount. Your coupon: GOFERTIL. 

Advantages of the vaginal microbiota test

• Very easy to use: it can be done at home by following the simple instructions. 
• It's painless. 
• Sending to the laboratory is very simple: the delivery person comes to your house to pick up the package when you indicate it. 

Disadvantages of the vaginal flora test

• The test must be done as close to the day of ovulation (if possible, just after) to obtain results of a microbiota that is as similar to that of the moment of potential implantation. 

Advantages and disadvantages of analyzing the microbiota in the endometrium

In this case, you receive the test at home, with a kit and instructions, but you need a doctor to collect the sample, since you won't be able to do it yourself. 

Remember you have a 10% discount with the GOFERTI couponL in any TELETEST microbiota test. 

Advantages of the endometrial microbiota test

• The result is interesting because it directly analyzes the place where an embryo should be implanted. 
• It is also received at home, with the necessary comfort and privacy, but you must go to the gynecologist to collect the sample, once you have it, you take the kit home and the delivery person comes to pick it up. 

Disadvantages of the endometrial microbiota test

• It is necessary to go to the gynecologist, because you cannot take the sample yourself, which must be collected in a gynecological position. 
• The test is somewhat annoying. 
• The test can become contaminated as it exits the vagina.
• If there is a pathogen in the endometrium, it is probably also in the vagina (which is the most likely origin).

Whether you decide (or your doctor recommends) to use a test in the vagina or in the endometrium, what is clear is that it is good to have a good professional who can interpret the results for you, since they are not easy to understand. 

This professional may be a physician, gynecologist, embryologist, psychoneuroimmunologist, or related health professional.

Here is an indicative summary table of the different tests

The male microbiota in fertility 

The microbiota is also shared with the couple, so depending on the results of the microbiota analysis, your reference professionals may recommend doing some analysis of the male microbiota. 

These tests can do both ejaculate and urine. 

You have at your disposal a 10% discount on your seminal microbiota test or any other with the coupon GOFERTIL. 

The importance of the microbiota in fertility processes, whether naturally or with assisted reproduction, is increasing. It is important to have good habits that allow the microbiota to be as balanced as possible. 

And once the pregnancy search process begins, taking a microbiota test will always be a good idea.