Work

Vaginal microbiota correlations to gynecological symptoms, intimate hygiene practices, and background parameters of IVF patients: a cross-sectional study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate baseline parameters and vaginal intimate hygiene habits comparing IVF patients with and without vaginal dysbiosis, a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Patients were grouped by the presence of vaginal dysbiosis status determined by a qPCR method (high quantities of Gardnerella spp. and/or Fannyhessea vaginae) and a 16S rRNA gene sequencing-based method (VALENCIA). Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire alongside an interview with healthcare personnel. Prevalence ratios (PR) were computed in case of statistically significant findings between groups. RESULTS: Among 1511 patients, the prevalence of vaginal dysbiosis by qPCR was 34%, and the prevalence of community state type IV was 32%. Prevalence of vaginal dysbiosis was higher with increasing BMI, BMI 25-30 (PR 1.23 (95% CI 1.05-1.44) and BMI > 30 (PR 1.50 (1.24-1.82). Fishy odor was reported relatively rarely, but vaginal dysbiosis was significantly more prevalent in the presence of fishy odor, PR 1.72 (95% CI 1.39-2.11). Finally, vaginal douching was highly prevalent and correlated significantly to vaginal dysbiosis, PR 1.31 (95% CI 1.11-1.53). In a sub-study, we interviewed N = 10 women about vaginal douching, and all of them reported the use of douching with the intention to feel clean, thus contradicting general recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of vaginal dysbiosis in IVF patients is predominantly a subclinical condition which is linked to lifestyle and intimate hygiene habits.

Source: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

DOI: 10.1007/s10815-025-03629-9