A systematic review of the effects of probiotics on the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Food Science, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor of Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/ijogi.2025.87336.6410

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. The gut and vaginal microbiome play significant roles in fertility outcomes, influenced by various factors including nutritional components. Probiotics, as one such factor, may affect fertility outcomes either directly by modulating microbial growth or indirectly through effects on the immune system and metabolism. This study examines the impact of probiotics on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes.

Methods: In this systematic review, we searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Magiran, SID, ISC, and Cochrane Library databases without time restrictions using the keywords: probiotics, infertility, assisted reproductive technologies, IVF, and IUI.

Results: Among the seven studies reviewed, the administration of vaginal probiotics did not have a significant impact on overall outcomes of ARTs. Additionally, probiotic-prebiotic combinations in women under 40 years old and those with recurrent implantation failures increased pregnancy and live birth rates. Specifically, vaginal probiotics were found to reduce the incidence of miscarriage.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that while probiotics may be effective in certain aspects of fertility, the existing evidence is not definitive. The efficacy of probiotics is dependent on various factors, including the mode of administration, bacterial composition, and individual characteristics. Therefore, further studies with appropriate design are essential to determine the precise role of probiotics in reproductive medicine.

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 September 2025

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