Did you know the uterus has a microbiome?
Conventional medicine used to believe the uterus was sterile, but research in the last decade is proving this convention incorrect.
We've known for a long time that there is a gut and a vaginal microbiome. And now, the importance of the uterine microbime is stepping into the spotlight.
One (presumably) rare, but important cause of infertility is pathogens in the uterus. Pathogens (microbes that always cause problems) are known to cause failed implantation in some women. The only true way to diagnose this is with an endometrial biopsy (which is a fairly invasive procedure offered in some OB-Gyn offices and fertility clinics).
Recent research, however, has shown that having good bacteria is just as important as reducing bad bacteria for proper implantation of an embryo. Specifically, having a predominance of lactobacillus species is most correlated with healthy implantation and likelihood of carrying to term.
A fairly new test, called the Emma-Alice test is also available at some of Fertility clinics. This test not only looks for pathogenic microbes, but also evaluates for good strains of bacteria. Unfortunately, it also requires the endometrial biopsy discussed above.
New and exciting news about the microbiome: there is some suspicion now that uterine dysbiosisis may actually be a contributor to endometriosis. This is still under investigation. However, for endometriosis, which is a condition characterized by increased inflammation and oddly behaving endometrial tissue, bacterial interaction of this tissue just might make sense as an underlying mechanism of disease!
At this point, the only true way to diagnose uterine dysbiosis is with the endometrial biopsy. And if a true imbalance is found, research found that a combination of antibiotics and probiotics results in significant improvement in fertility and fecundity. For many women, endometrial biopsy will not be deemed necessary by clinics that offer this procedure.
But, if the procedure is not recommended to you by your OB or fertility clinic, fear not...
Functional medicine can offer support even if this diagnostic technique is not available or offered to you. The truth is that your body gives us messages that we can work to interpret. If you've experienced recurrent vaginal infections, recurrent UTIs, IBS like symptoms, or if you have a history of recurrent antibiotics- chances are that reconditioning the microbiome of the body would be an excellent addition to your fertility or endometriosis plan. This can be done very safely with a combination of herbal antimicrobials and targeted probiotics.
At Integrative Women's Health SF, we look at the whole ecology of the body. If there is suspicion of microbiome dysfunction, we do everything we can to help "the good guys" win.
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