The effects of microbiota on reproductive health: A review

Reproductive issues are becoming an increasing global problem. There is increasing interest in the relationship between microbiota and reproductive health. Stable microbiota communities exist in the gut, reproductive tract, uterus, testes, and semen. Various effects (e.g., epigenetic modifications, nervous system, metabolism) of dysbiosis in the microbiota can impair gamete quality; interfere with zygote formation, embryo implantation, and embryo development; and increase disease susceptibility, thus adversely impacting reproductive capacity and pregnancy. The maintenance of a healthy microbiota can protect the host from pathogens, increase reproductive potential, and reduce the rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In conclusion, this review discusses microbiota in the male and female reproductive systems of multiple animal species. It explores the effects and mechanisms of microbiota on reproduction, factors that influence microbiota composition, and applications of microbiota in reproductive disorder treatment and detection. The findings support novel approaches for managing reproductive diseases through microbiota improvement and monitoring. In addition, it will stimulate further systematic explorations of microbiota-mediated effects on reproduction.

Automated summary

Reproductive issues are a growing global concern, and there is increasing interest in understanding the relationship between microbiota and reproductive health. Stable microbiota communities exist in various parts of the reproductive system, and dysbiosis can have detrimental effects on gamete quality, embryo development, and disease susceptibility. A healthy microbiota, on the other hand, can protect against pathogens, improve reproductive potential, and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review explores the effects and mechanisms of microbiota on reproduction, factors influencing microbiota composition, and potential applications in reproductive disorder treatment and detection.