The Reproductive Microbiome and its Impact on IVF Success and Implantation Rates

When it comes to miscarriage risk prevention we have to consider preconception care. Over the years more research has shed light on how lifestyle, diet, preconception health can predispose or reduce the risk of miscarriage for patients. When we support patients who are dealing with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and there is no identifiable cause, we need to start digging a bit deeper to these modifiable risk factors to determine if we can help identify potential cause(s) for the recurrent miscarriages. A new research paper published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility in 2022 published data collected from 10 different research papers (4 randomized clinical trials and 6 observational studies) and found that deficiency in a particular vitamin was associated with an increased risk for miscarriage.

It is estimated in some studies that sperm-factor infertility affects upwards of 60% of infertility cases in couples. Yet, it is too common to hear from patients that very little attention was given to their male partners during the treatment plan and workup. Most patients have a simple sperm analysis and are given very little information as to the results as opposed to 'looks good' or some of the numbers are a 'little low.' It is important for patients to be informed as to which numbers are good, which ones are low, and which tests (if any) were not completed as a part of the baseline testing but are available. This is due to the fact that research over the last few years has emphasized the importance of advance sperm function tests, usually not included in the basic sperm analysis test.   Read more:  https://www.infertilitynaturopath.com/post/the-common-and-hidden-cause-of-sperm-factor-infertility-affecting-around-12-of-patients

Listen to discover the latest research highlighting a better understating of uterine polyps

It is well established that dietary patterns can strongly affect fertility outcomes, however, we are still learning about how specific nutrients can exert positive or negative effects when it comes to conception. Omega 3s are important in that they have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in the body. Read more here.

Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, however, more patients hav been dealing with a diagnosis of 'Idiopathic Infertility,' meaning the cause for the issue is unknown. Even after various tests, ultrasounds, genetic screening some patients are left in the dark about why their sperm parameters are much lower than the healthy average. Read more here.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can significantly affect chances of conceiving due to both follicle development/ovulatory issues and poor endometrial receptivity (negatively affecting implantation rates). One of the mainstay treatment options used in conventional medicine for supporting ovulation and fertility with PCOS is the medication letrozole (inhibits the activity of an enzyme called aromatase in the body). Read more here.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and multifaceted condition, and diagnosis can be more complex for some patients since it can present differently depending on each case. One thing we know about PCOS is that the inability to conceive can directly be related to the inability to ovulate, although this is not the only factor that impacts chances of conception in patients with PCOS. Read more here.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive endocrine disorders across the globe. Depending on which population was studied it was estimated that anywhere from 6-21% of the population had a diagnosis of PCOS. This is a dramatic percentage of the population, and considering how PCOS can affect various health parameters, its optimal management is absolutely crucial to simultaneously improve overall health and quality of life for patients and reducing costs/burden to the healthcare system. Read more here.

There is a well documented negative impact that poor sperm health appears to have on the chances of conceiving. It is estimated that up to 50% of infertility cases involve poor sperm health. However, patients are rarely provided any counselling or treatment to help improve their sperm parameters. Many cases of couples dealing with infertility involve little to no treatment for low sperm-factors, and instead assume that no changes can be made. The World Health Organization (WHO) itself encourages the use of medicinal plants and encourages researchers to help find rational uses of medicinal plants as a source for new medial therapies [1]. As such, interest in the use of medicinal herbs for the treatment of sperm-factor infertility is growing. Read more here.

Over the last few years we have seen a greater interest in research now evaluating the role of the microbiome on various reproductive disorders, fertility, and non-fertility related health conditions. In particular, there has been research published evaluating how the microbiome may be related to conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and sperm health. Read more here.