The investigators aim to examine the endometrium with state of the art sequencing techniques to investigate the endometrial microbiota. The endometrial microbiota has been perceived to be sterile, however, this seems incorrect from recent studies. Thus, the primary outcome is to compare the rate of ascending infection from the semen to the vagina to the endometrium and to investigate which bacteria are capable of inhabiting these environments. Furthermore, cervical mucus will be obtained in order to test for immunological, microbiological and mechanical properties that may be involved in ascending infection. Finally, the study aim to characterize the temporal changes in the vaginal microbiota during estrogenic treatment with Estrofem® or Vivelle Dot (R) for preparation of the endometrium prior to embryo transfer.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
27
Patients will be asked to obtain self-collected vaginal swabs from the mid-vagina from the beginning of their Estrofem® treatment
The Fertility Clinic Skive
Skive, Denmark
The Fertility Clinic, Regional Hospital of Skive
Skive, Denmark
Rate of ascending infection/sharing of bacteria in the genital tract
Seminal, vaginal, cervical and endometrial samples will be compared at the time of oocyte retrieval.
Time frame: This outcome data is measured at the day of oocyte retrieval.
Next generation sequencing techniques will be used to assess the vaginal microbiota.I.e. measure of relative abundances
Vaginal microbiota changes throughout the preparation of the endometrium for frozen embryo transfer.
Time frame: Examined longitudinally throughout the segmentation cycle. The estimated time to event is 40 days from oocyte retrieval until frozen embryo transfer following a strict protocol.
qPCR to assess the vaginal microbiota. I.e. a quantitative measure Copies/mL.
Vaginal microbiota changes throughout the preparation of the endometrium for frozen embryo transfer.
Time frame: Examined longitudinally throughout the segmentation cycle. The estimated time to event is 40 days from oocyte retrieval until frozen embryo transfer following a strict protocol.
Number of participants with a Clinical pregnancy
Tested by clinical pregnancy scan by ultrasound in week 7-9
Time frame: 7-9 weeks after inclusion.
Number of participants with a Live birth
Tested by self-reported schemes
Time frame: 36-42 weeks after inclusion
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