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Open Access 16-05-2024 | Fertility | Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine

Testing on bacterial vaginosis in a subfertile population and time to pregnancy: a prospective cohort study

Authors: Marjolein van den Tweel, Ellen van den Munckhof, Moniek van der Zanden, Saskia Le Cessie, Jan van Lith, Kim Boers

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the influence of bacterial vaginosis on time to pregnancy in subfertile couples.

Methods

Couples attending a teaching hospital in the Netherlands having an initial fertility assessment (IFA) between July 2019 and June 2022 were included in this prospective study, with follow-up of pregnancies until June 2023. Vaginal samples at IFA were analyzed on pH, qPCR BV, and 16S rRNA gene microbiome analysis of V1-V2 region. Main outcome measures were time from initial fertility assessment to ongoing pregnancy at 12 weeks and live birth, analyzed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

At IFA, 27% of 163 included participants tested positive for BV. BV status had no influence on time to ongoing pregnancy (HR 0.98, 0.60–1.61, aHR 0.97, 0.58–1.62). In persons with unexplained subfertility, positive BV status had a tendency of longer time to pregnancy. When persons had an indication for fertility treatment, positive BV status (HR 0.21, 0.05–0.88, aHR 0.19, 0.04–0.85) and microbiome community state type III and type IV had significant longer time to pregnancy.

Conclusion

This study indicates that BV may have a potential negative impact on time to live birth pregnancy in subfertile persons with an indication for fertility treatment. This study did not find an association between BV and time to live birth pregnancy in a general group of subfertile couples or in unexplained subfertility. More research should be done in persons with unexplained subfertility and if treatment improves time to pregnancy.

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Title: Testing on bacterial vaginosis in a subfertile population and time to pregnancy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Marjolein van den Tweel
Ellen van den Munckhof
Moniek van der Zanden
Saskia Le Cessie
Jan van Lith
Kim Boers
Publication date: 16-05-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Fertility
ICSI
Miscarriage
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-024-07542-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Testing on bacterial vaginosis in a subfertile population and time to pregnancy: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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