Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis: A Neglected Risk Factor for Male and Female Fertility

Abstract

Infertility is a condition where a male or female is unable to achieve pregnancy through at least 1 year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. There are several known causes and risk factors associated with infertility. The gut microbiota is a complex community of trillions of microorganisms living in the gut. Due to modern lifestyle changes, such as dietary habits, physical inactivity, and increasing antibiotic use, the diversity and composition of these microbes may change in a detrimental manner. Dysbiosis or an imbalance of the gut microbiota compared to a normal composition can lead to various abnormalities, such as obesity, Alzheimer's, metabolic disorders, and infertility. This review will cover the factors influencing gut microbiota composition, the mechanisms by which gut microbiota contributes to infertility in men and women, the effects of gut microbiota on problems that may arise during pregnancy, and therapeutic methods for diseases caused by dysbiosis of the gut microbiota.