Microbiota and seminal quality: A systematic review

JBRA Assist Reprod. 2023 Sep 12;27(3):507-513. doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20230008.

Abstract

The microbiota is composed of numerous resident microorganisms, which contribute to the health and illness of the individual. When the microbiota is in dysbiosis, it can cause some pathological processes and in men it can be correlated with male infertility, so the present study does a systematic review, identifying whether there is a correlation between the microbiota and seminal quality. We analyzed 7 papers published in PubMed, Medline and the Cochrane library databases, in English and published between 2012 and 2022. In men with normal semen parameters, a higher prevalence of Lactobacillus. There was a higher prevalence of Prevotella in patients who had some seminal alteration. We conclude that the microbiota is correlated with seminal quality, since the decrease in Lactobacillus and the increase in other species is seen in infertile men.

Keywords: male infertility; microbiota; seminal quality.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male* / epidemiology
  • Infertility, Male* / etiology
  • Male
  • Microbiota*
  • Semen
  • Semen Analysis