Male factor infertility can stem from several causes, including abnormal sperm production, low sperm counts, or blockages in sperm delivery. Recent research highlights the potential role of the semen microbiome in these conditions, revealing new insights into its impact on fertility.
While techniques such as next-generation sequencing have enabled scientists to analyze the microbial communities present in sperm samples, previous studies on the semen microbiome and its relation to fertility have been limited by small sample sizes and retrospective designs.
In a recent study led by Osadichy and colleagues, semen samples from 73 men, averaging 38 years of age, were analyzed. These participants were categorized into three groups based on semen analysis parameters:
- Group One – Normal sperm concentration and motility versus abnormalities in sperm concentration or mobility.
- Group Two – Normal versus abnormal sperm motility.
- Group Three – Normal versus abnormal sperm concentration.
The study found that the semen microbiome is diverse but generally consistent, with predominant bacteria including Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum, and Lactobacillus iners. Notably, Lactobacillus iners was identified as being particularly associated with abnormal sperm parameters. This finding is significant as previous research has linked Lactobacillus iners to fertility issues primarily in the context of the female vaginal microbiome.
Osadichy and the team emphasize that their study is the first to report a negative correlation between Lactobacillus iners and male fertility. “There is much more to explore regarding the microbiome and its connection to male infertility,” Osadichy commented. “These findings offer valuable insights and align with evidence from smaller studies, paving the way for future research to further investigate the complex relationship between the semen microbiome and fertility.”
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