Study of the Vaginal and Endometrial Microbiome in Women Undergoing IVFICSI to Understand Chronic Endometritis and Improve Treatment for Successful Pregnancy

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to better understand chronic endometritis, an inflammation of the lining of the uterus that can affect fertility and pregnancy. It is commonly seen in about 10% of women with fertility issues. The diagnosis is challenging due to a lack of well-established classification systems, although a special scoring method using plasma cell presence is used at UZ Brussel. The study also explores the role of microorganisms in the female reproductive tract and their impact on this condition and fertility. The project involves analyzing samples from women undergoing IVFICSI treatment, including vaginal swabs and endometrial biopsies taken during and after hysteroscopy. These samples will be examined using advanced methods called metagenomics and culturomics to identify the microorganisms present. Researchers will compare the microbiome before and after treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, mainly doxycycline, to understand how these treatments affect the balance of bacteria and signs of inflammation. Participants will undergo routine diagnostic procedures such as transvaginal ultrasound, biopsies, and vaginal swabs. The study will measure the microbiome through sequencing and culture over two years, alongside the evaluation of plasma cell presence to validate the diagnostic scoring system. This process aims to improve diagnosis and guide treatment choices for chronic endometritis, supporting better fertility outcomes. Participation involves continuous monitoring of microbial changes and treatment effects throughout the study period.

The FLORA-project: in Search for the Microbial Cause of Chronic Endometritis and the Most Appropriate Treatment to Obtain a Successful Pregnancy IVF/ICSI