Fertility and the Microbiome

Launched by MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF GRAZ · Apr 7, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Fertility and the Microbiome" clinical trial is studying how the microbiome (the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms) and human papillomavirus (HPV) might affect fertility in couples facing challenges with getting pregnant. The researchers are particularly interested in understanding if there is a link between HPV, the health of sperm, and the microbiomes found in both men and women. They will also look at whether taking probiotics (beneficial bacteria) can improve sperm quality.

To participate in this study, couples must be experiencing subfertility, which means they have difficulty getting pregnant after trying for a while, or have had multiple pregnancy losses. Participants should be between the ages of 18 and 62 and must not have taken probiotics or antibiotics in the last three months, nor should they have conditions that could affect the study results. Those who join can expect to take part in a double-blind study, meaning neither they nor the researchers will know who is receiving the probiotics or a placebo (a non-active substance), to ensure fair results. This study is currently recruiting participants and aims to provide valuable insights into how microbiomes and HPV status relate to fertility.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Couples (Males and females) with subfertility, primary or secondary infertility, or recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • unable to consent
• • diseases or conditions that might impact investigation
• • intake of probiotics, antibiotics within last 3 months
• • intake of nutritional supplements
• • chemo therapy or radiation therapy
• • excess alcohol intake
• • smoking