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The Endometrial Microbiota’s Role in Fertility: Updates and Future Directions

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Advances in RNA sequencing have revealed diverse endometrial microbiota. As the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility continues to optimize in vitro fertilization success, the role of endometrial microbiota in endometrial receptivity has gained attention. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the endometrial microbiota and its relationship with fertility while also highlighting future directions.

Recent Findings

Researchers have been able to build profiles of endometrial microbiomes that are associated with both fertility and infertility. Emerging patterns demonstrate endometrial microbiomes associated with infertility have similarities to those found in chronic endometritis. Studies are beginning to describe the intricate interplay between the microbiota and the immune system. An altered immune response to a dysbiotic endometrium may negatively impact fertility.

Summary

Understanding an individual’s microbiome could allow clinicians to personalize treatments to enhance reproductive success in infertile patients. Currently, investigations have shown promise in interventions that include antibiotics and steroids, but there are many other opportunities for emerging areas of research.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA

    Amy Lee

  2. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont Medical Center, 111 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT, USA

    Jennifer Dundee & Navid Esfandiari

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  2. Jennifer Dundee
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AL and JD wrote the manuscript and NE reviewed and made the final revisions.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Navid Esfandiari.

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Lee, A., Dundee, J. & Esfandiari, N. The Endometrial Microbiota’s Role in Fertility: Updates and Future Directions. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep 13, 9–15 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-024-00374-1

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