Influence of Genital MicrobialFlora upon in vitro Fertilization Processes

Overview

Objective:
To investigate whether the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in genital tract ofwoman and/or man affects fertilization rate, development of embryo and nidation and whether italters the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF).Design: Retrospective comparative clinical study.Setting: Repromeda, Centre of reproductive medicine, Ltd., Viniční 235, 615 00 Brno.Methods: 382 cycles of IVF were evaluated during the period 8/1999 - 11/2000. Age, body massindex, number of collected oocytes, fertilization rate, quality and number of transferred embryos,un/known microbial flora, pregnancy rate and pregnancy outcome were evaluated in all women.Parameters of spermiogram and un/known microbial flora in semen were evaluated in all men.Couples were divided into four groups: A. known microbial flora in both (woman and man); B.known microbial flora in woman; C. known microbial flora in man; D. unknown microbial flora inboth.Results: The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in genital tract has no influence on fertilization, nor on development of embryo. Number of pregnancies per embryotransfer was higher in thegroups A, B, C vs. group D; the difference is statistically significant (29%, 24%, 29% vs. 18%, P < 0.05).Conclusion: The presence of pathogenic microorganisms has no influence on fertilization, nor ondevelopment of embryo but has an influence on embryo implantation. The presence of pathogenicmicrobial flora is associated with poor IVF outcome.

Key words:
pathogenic microbial flora, sexually transmitted diseases, in vitro fertilization, implantation, embryo