Vaginal Microbiota and In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes: Development of a Simple Diagnostic Tool to Predict Patients at Risk of a Poor Reproductive Outcome.

Background: Female reproductive tract microbiota may affect human reproduction. The current study considered whether a more detailed characterization of the vaginal microbiota could improve prediction of risk of poor reproductive outcome in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods: Vaginal samples from 120 patients undergoing IVF were sequenced using the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene with clustering of Gardnerella vaginalis genomic clades.

Stem cells for obstetricians and gynecologists.

Stem cells are a subject of immense research interest, and may in the not too far future provide the basis for a number of new therapies aimed at substituting damaged or lacking cells, tissues, and even organs. A number of stem cell types have been identified, including embryonal stem cells, umbilical cord blood stem cells, and bone marrow stem cells. Two of the most promising stem cell types, embryonal stem cells and umbilical cord blood stem cells, are obtained from sources within the field of gynecology and obstetrics, namely fertility clinics performing in-vitro fertilization, and labor wards, respectively.