Guest blog by Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND, a fertility naturopathic doctor at Conceive Health.
You may have heard a lot of buzz around the microbiome and fertility, but what exactly is it?
The microbiome refers to the community of bacteria that inhabit specific areas of our body, such as the gut, vaginal and uterine environment, and skin. It is unique to everyone, much like our fingerprints, and can be influenced by various factors including genetics, environment, and lifestyle.
The establishment of the microbiome begins at birth and can be influenced by factors such as the mode of delivery (vaginal birth vs. C-section), breastfeeding vs. formula feeding, infections, and antibiotic use during childhood.
The microbiome is a dynamic system that can change within a few days after implementing a new diet or experiencing changes in the environment. Various factors can impact the microbiome, including:
- Oxygen availability and pH (acidity)
- Hygiene practices
- High blood sugar, insulin resistance, and hormonal balance
- Diet and nutrient status (nutrient deficiencies)
- Medications such as antibiotics, steroid therapy, immunosuppressants, and oral contraceptives
Genetic factors, such as FUT2 gene mutations, may alter the microbiome, affecting the establishment of beneficial bacteria and increasing the risk of recurrent infections such as UTIs and yeast infections.
Signs Your Microbiome is Impacting Your Fertility
Imbalances in the microbiome can show up as reduction in beneficial bacterial concentrations, leading to chronic resident infections. Conditions such as recurrent UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, endometriosis, PCOS, endometritis, metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and obesity, autoimmune diseases, and chronic digestive complaints like SIBO, IBS, and IBD are associated with disruptions in the microbiome.
The microbiome can have a significant impact on our health and fertility. A newer area of research is looking at the role the reproductive microbiome plays in different phases of reproduction, such as eggs/sperm development, fertilization, pregnancy establishment and maintenance, and colonization of the fetus and newborn.
Changes in the reproductive microbiome has been implicated in various reproductive health conditions including chronic endometritis, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease, which are linked to infertility.
Interestingly, studies show that women with higher concentrations of Lactobacilli spp within the uterus have higher pregnancy rates with IUI (intrauterine insemination) and IVF. While this association needs further investigation to understand fully, it offers an exciting potential in understanding further what may be responsible for reduced pregnancy rates with otherwise healthy embryos and individuals.
How to improve your microbiome
Research has shown that certain strains of Lactobacillus can benefit vaginal health by improving acidity levels, preventing harmful microbes from attaching to vaginal tissues, and working with the body’s immune system. Lifestyle factors can help improve the microbiome, such as:
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in micronutrients
- Consuming fermented foods and prebiotics (fiber)
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
- Limit processed or heavily refined foods
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding smoking
- Managing stress
- Regular physical exercise
- Certain oral and vaginal probiotics
- Using antibiotics appropriately
- Practicing good hygiene habits such as wiping from front to back
- Wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear
- Regular urination after sex
- Avoiding douching, personal care products with dyes or fragrances, spermicidal foam, or diaphragms
Understanding the microbiome and its impact on health and fertility is a powerful tool that can encourage healthy lifestyle choices and help couples find appropriate clinical treatments to address the underlying problems that influence fertility. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a naturopathic doctor, can provide personalized recommendations to assess and improve the microbiome through specific testing as well as dietary and lifestyle strategies.
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Dr Robyn Murphy is a fertility naturopathic doctor at Conceive Health in Toronto. As the Scientific Advisor for DNA Labs, she combines her strong background in research and clinical practice to bring the most effective treatment strategies for her patients. Dr. Murphy uses a comprehensive approach to compliment conventional treatment and address underlying causes that impact fertility, including hormone, immune, digestive, and metabolic imbalances. She is a strong advocate for patient-centred care and aims to build trust and empower patients with reliable knowledge to inspire health.
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