A study conducted in Spain revealed that beneficial bacteria in the uterus increased the success of IVF treatment, which was applied to pave the way for women whose tubes were damaged, clogged, or without tubes to become mothers. Obstetrics and IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar considered the study as a ‘new glimmer of hope‘ for families who want to have children. Prof. Dr. Attar: “The absence of beneficial bacteria reduced the embryo's rate of adhesion to the uterine wall from 60.7 percent to 23.1 percent. This is a very important finding.''

One of the most preferred infertility treatments today is the ‘IVF’ method. It was revealed that the beneficial bacteria in the uterus affected the success of the IVF treatment performed by combining the egg and sperm in the laboratory and transferring the embryo obtained after fertilization to the mother's womb.

According to a study conducted at IVI, one of Spain's leading IVF clinics, beneficial bacteria in the flora in the uterus affect the chance of success of IVF treatment. Yeditepe University Hospitals Gynecology and Obstetrics, IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar interpreted the study as a 'glimpse of hope‘ for families who want to have children.

Measurement of Beneficial Bacteria is Recommended Before Starting IVF Treatment

Prof. Dr. Attar said, “The uterus is not sterile, it contains bacteria. There are even bacteria in the liquid inside the ovary. In the absence of beneficial bacteria called lactobacillus in yogurt and kefir, important findings have begun to be obtained that the success of in vitro fertilization has decreased. Therefore, in the absence of beneficial bacteria for the uterus, IVF success is negatively affected. The reason for the recurrent miscarriage during the IVF procedure may be due to the lack of beneficial bacteria. In IVF patients, in case of repeated failures, useful bacteria should be measured. After the uterine flora is corrected, the chance of success increases.”

It Affects The Success of Having A Baby

In the study, samples were taken from the wombs of 23 women who had children and 35 women who had children by IVF method. Accordingly, it was determined that women with a higher concentration of beneficial bacteria called lactobacillus in their uterus had a higher chance of conceiving with the IVF method.

Yeditepe University Hospitals Obstetrician Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar: “If there are beneficial bacteria in the uterus, the rate of adhesion of the embryo to the uterine wall is 60.7 percent. In the absence of bacteria, the percentage dropped to 23.1 percent. Pregnancy rates also fell from 70.6 percent to 33.3 percent if there were no beneficial bacteria. There are large differences in the ongoing pregnancy rates. If there are beneficial bacteria, the pregnancy rate is 58.3 percent, but if not, this rate has fallen to 13.3 percent. Live birth rates are even more impressive. If there are no beneficial bacteria, it has dropped from 58.8 percent to 6.7 percent.”

If There Are No Beneficial Bacteria In The Uterus, The Possibility of The Embryo Forming Decreases

Stating that the success rate in IVF is 50% in the world, Prof. Dr. Attar: “This rate varies depending on the age and condition of the patient. In some of the remaining 50 percent, the embryo may not stick to the uterus. In fact, 10 percent of patients do not have fertilization for any reason. We insert the embryos into the uterus, but they cannot adhere to the uterine wall. Studies on the microbiota have shown that in many of these patients, the absence of beneficial bacteria in the uterus that support the adhesion of the embryo may be the cause.”

Dental Caries Negatively Affects Beneficial Bacteria

Stating that one of the most important factors for protecting and reproducing beneficial bacteria is nutrition, Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar: “It is necessary to pay attention to oral health and oral hygiene. There should be no tooth decay. Because the oral flora directly affects the intestinal flora. Misused antibiotics also kill beneficial bacteria. “People are taking antibiotics unnecessarily and unconsciously like they are taking painkillers.”

Intrauterine Bacteria Measurement Tells the Proportion of Beneficial Bacteria

Stating that bacteria measurement was performed for the uterus in women who thought of IVF, Yeditepe University Hospitals IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar stated the following: “It is not a difficult process. Measurements are completed within 10 days. We take samples from inside the uterus and look at the ratios of beneficial bacteria. At the end of the measurement, we learn whether there are beneficial bacteria in the uterus. The higher the rate of beneficial bacteria, the greater the chance of success. We encourage the patient to use probiotics, refer them to the dentist, and we can increase the rate of beneficial bacteria by preventing the wrong use of drugs.

Consume Yoghurt, Kephir, Pickles

Suggesting the consumption of foods with probiotic properties such as yogurt, kephir, milk, and pickles, Prof. Dr. Attar: “These nutrients revitalize and regulate the intestinal flora. Ready and fast foods and canned foods are harmful to beneficial bacteria. One of the biggest mistakes we make is washing the inside of the vagina. Women do it for hygiene purposes, but the bacteria in the uterus are negatively affected. We have to stop this habit. Be careful with the detergent you use, prefer cotton underwear.”

Beware of Cervical Infections

Drawing attention to the fact that the vaginal flora changes with age, Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar: “With nutrition, we can protect beneficial bacteria by paying attention to oral health. Cervical infections also disrupt the cervical flora and adversely affect fertility. That is why it needs to be treated.”