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The Seminal Microbiome and Male Factor Infertility

  • Male Sexual Dysfunction and Disorder (N Thirumavalavan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Sexual Health Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Focusing on studies published within the last decade, we review the literature on the seminal microbiome and male factor infertility. We highlight potential mechanisms by which microbes may impact fertility and underscore key limitations and clinical implications of these studies.

Recent Findings

The seminal microbiome encompasses a metabolically and phylogenetically diverse group of microorganisms. Lactobacillus was consistently associated with normal semen analysis parameters and fertility; Anaerococcus was negatively associated with semen quality. These microbes may participate in a complex cross-talk with the host immune system, thereby modulating local and perhaps systemic inflammatory responses, impacting semen quality.

Summary

Research investigating the intersection between the seminal microbiome and male fertility is still in its infancy. Recent investigations have been exclusively cross-sectional, correlational studies, limiting the clinical applicability of published research. Prospective studies with more sophisticated methodologies are necessary.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Funding

SVE is supported by a Research Scholar Award from the Urology Care Foundation and the American Urological Association. EAM is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health including DK048351 and DK082370. These organizations played no role in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10945 Le Conte Avenue, Ueberroth #3361, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Vadim Osadchiy, Jesse N. Mills & Sriram V. Eleswarapu

  2. Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Vadim Osadchiy & Emeran A. Mayer

Authors
  1. Vadim Osadchiy
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  2. Jesse N. Mills
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  3. Emeran A. Mayer
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  4. Sriram V. Eleswarapu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sriram V. Eleswarapu.

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Competing Interests

SVE is a consultant for Metuchen Pharmaceuticals. JNM is a consultant for Antares Pharma, Boston Scientific, and Endo Pharmaceuticals. VO and EAM declare no competing interests.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Male Sexual Dysfunction and Disorder

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Osadchiy, V., Mills, J.N., Mayer, E.A. et al. The Seminal Microbiome and Male Factor Infertility. Curr Sex Health Rep 12, 202–207 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-020-00273-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-020-00273-5

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