Investigating the Microbiota of Ovarian Follicular Fluid and Vaginal Secretions in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study
Abstract
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects a significant proportion of women during their reproductive years. It is characterized by hormonal and metabolic dysregulation. Growing evidence suggests that the microbiota present in ovarian follicular fluid and vaginal secretions may significantly influence reproductive outcomes. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to investigate and compare the microbiota of ovarian follicular fluid and vaginal secretions in infertile women with PCOS, specifically to analyze compositional differences between patients who achieve clinical pregnancy and those who do not. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, follicular fluid and vaginal swabs were collected from 30 women with PCOS enrolled for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle at Mahdiyeh Hospital, Tehran, between September 2023 and August 2024. None of the patients had taken metformin or antibiotics for 3 months prior to oocyte retrieval. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to assess the Lactobacillus group, Bifidobacterium spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides group, and Prevotella spp. Also, the number and maturity of eggs, fertilization and cleavage rates, number and quality of transferred embryos, male partner's semen parameters, infertility duration, cause and type of infertility, and transfer cycle…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 30 participants or records.
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