CHARACTERIZING REPRODUCTIVE TRACT MICROBIOME THROUGH SHOTGUN METAGENOMIC SEQUENCING AT TIME OF IVF, A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Significant research in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility has been devoted to improving pregnancy rates in IVF. Many factors have been extensively examined all with the goal of improving pregnancy rates. However, even with a genetically normal embryo there is still a 40-70% success rate. This likely indicates that there is another factor that has not yet been delineated affecting the embryo’s ability to implant. The normal reproductive tract microbiome at the time of IVF transfer has still yet to be fully elucidated.