International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

The presence of bacteria in follicular fluid (FF) - which surrounds individual eggs in the ovaries – may reduce the success rate of assisted reproductive procedures, researchers say.

A study conducted at the Queensland University of Technology, Australia, showed the presence of one or more microorganisms in FF – a liquid which was previously believed to be sterile.

Dr Christine Knox stated: "We tested the FF of 148 women and found bacteria present in the fluid of 99 per cent of the women tested. Only the FF from one woman was sterile."

"When we looked at pregnancy outcomes in the early study, we found that only 25 per cent of women with FF colonised with unique bacterial species achieved a successful pregnancy."

Researchers claimed that factors such as a longer period of infertility prior to treatment and damage to the fallopian tubes could increase the risk of bacteria being present in FF.

Earlier this month, research from the Reproductive Associates of Delaware, US, indicated that single embryos cultured under proper conditions may have a greater chance of implanting and developing successfully in women aged 35 and under.