The reproductive microbiome – clinical practice recommendations for fertility specialists

Abstract The interest in and understanding of the human microbiome has grown remarkably over the past years. Advances in molecular techniques have allowed researchers to identify and study the microbiota and also use this information to develop therapeutic solutions for a spectrum of conditions. Alongside the growing interest in the microbiome, societal changes have resulted in many couples looking to start families later in life, therefore increasing the demand for assistive reproductive technologies. Putting these trends together, it makes sense that clinicians are eager to understand and exploit the microbiome of their patients, that is the reproductive microbiome, in order to help them achieve their goal of becoming parents. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current and future research of the reproductive microbiome in relation to fertility and also share clinical practice recommendations for physicians who are new to this field or unsure how they can concretely harness what is known to help their patients.