Vaginal microbiome in obesity and its impact on reproduction

A number of reproductive outcomes have been increasingly found to be affected by the vaginal microbiota. Obesity has become a global epidemic, affecting increasing numbers of reproductive-age women, and has been shown to be a risk factor for a number of adverse female health outcomes. A healthy vaginal microbiome is characterized by Lactobacillus -dominance, in particular Lactobacillus crispatus; obesity has been found to be associated with higher diversity and a lower likelihood of Lactobacillus -dominance. In this review, we summarize the evidence on the vaginal micro biome in obese women and the impact on reproductive outcomes such as conception rates, early pregnancy, and preterm birth. We further explore the mechanisms by which obesity may result in an altered microbial composition and highlight future avenues for therapeutic targeting of the vaginal microbiota.& COPY; 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

The vaginal microbiota has been found to affect a number of reproductive outcomes. Obesity, a global epidemic, has been shown to be a risk factor for adverse female health outcomes. A healthy vaginal microbiome is dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus, but obesity is associated with higher diversity and lower dominance of Lactobacillus. This review summarizes the evidence on the vaginal microbiome in obese women and its impact on reproductive outcomes, as well as explores the mechanisms by which obesity alters microbial composition and suggests potential therapeutic targets for the vaginal microbiota.