Like the gut, the uterus contains a mix of bacteria—known as the endometrial microbiome. Though once thought to be sterile, research shows the uterus hosts beneficial and harmful bacteria.
Why It Matters for Pregnancy
An imbalance in uterine bacteria, especially low levels of Lactobacillus, may lead to infertility, miscarriage, or preterm birth. One study found women with ≥90% Lactobacillus had significantly higher pregnancy (70.6%) and live birth rates (58.8%) compared to those with lower levels (33.3% and 6.7%).
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| When to Consider Endometrial Microbiome Testing
This test is commonly recommended for patients with:
Clinics increasingly suggest testing earlier in treatment due to its diagnostic value. It may also benefit patients who are planning to conceive. If you are interested in exploring the clinical applications of endometrial microbiome testing or integrating it into your diagnostic workflow, please contact us for further information and collaboration opportunities. References: NIH HMP Working Group et al. “The NIH Human Microbiome Project.” Genome research vol. 19,12 (2009): 2317-23. doi:10.1101/gr.096651.109 |