The Endometrial Microbiome

Moira Bradfield-Strydom and Rhiannon Hardingham provide key insights into the essential and often detrimental role of the endometrial microbiome in preconception, embryo implantation, IVF failure, miscarriage & pregnancy. This area is of interest to all practitioners working in reproductive & gynaecological health.

 

The endometrial microbiome is now understood to be implicated in a multitude of factors relating to fertility, IVF, pregnancy and gynaecological health, including:

 

- Microbiome considerations & patterns
- Unexplained infertility & IVF failure
- Endometritis
- Natural killer (NK) activation
- Miscarriage & mid term pregnancy loss
- Preeclampsia, intra-uterine growth restriction & preterm birth
- Endometriosis, adenomyosis & uterine fibroids
- Menstrual & vaginal health
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Hormone metabolism
- Chronic pelvic pain & pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Endometrial hyperplasia and cancer

 

Practitioners will gain a through understanding of the role and implications of the endometrial microbiome, including confidence required to navigate assessment strategies, master clinical management & discuss these issues directly with patients / their medical care providers. 

 

Learning Outcomes
🌟Understand the fundamental role the endometrial microbiome plays in influencing conception, unexplained infertility, IVF failure and NK cell activity

🌟Review & fundamental interpretation of testing options available, their validity & accessibility in day-to-day practice, including:
  *Endometrial biopsies
  *Uterine and peripheral NK cell assays
  *EMMA & ALICE tests
  *Menstrual blood microbiome assessments
  *Relevance of vaginal and gut microbiome assessments

🌟Confidence with safe and appropriate oral therapies & intra-vaginal therapies

🌟 Competency in assessing individualised factors required for nuanced consideration regarding the risks and benefits for every unique fertility patient

 

🤓 Practitioners eligible for 2 CPD points.

 

Moira holds a Bachelor of Naturopathy Southern Cross University, a Masters degree in Acupuncture from Southern Cross University and has just completed a PhD at Griffith University, Australia: in the area of the vaginal microbiome and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. In addition to her role as a Naturopath, Moira has lectured extensively about holistic genitourinary health, educating her fellow practitioners to offer support in an often overlooked area.

 

You can find out more about Moira and her services at www.intimateecology.com.au