This is why the vaginal microbiome matters in pregnancy

In 10 seconds? Researchers have discovered how pregnancy rates, the success of assisted reproductive treatments, and favorable pregnancy outcomes are all linked to the dominance of a bacteria species in the female genital tract.

What? Bacteria have a say in pregnancy? Well, that’s what this study says after comparing the bacterial profile of the uterus and vagina of fertile and infertile women. Fascinatingly, the pregnancy rate was only 33.3% in females without a rich environment of Lactobacillus, compared to 70.6% in females with a high abundance of the bacteria (rate: 90% or more). In vitro fertilization (IVF) success of five participants in the study was also linked to the dominance of Lactobacillus in their bodies.