Abstract
BACKGROUND: The microbiome is crucial for many physiological processes, including immunity, metabolism, and reproduction. AIMS: This review aims to contribute to a detailed understanding of the microbiome of the genital tract, which can lead to better management of dysbiosis and reproductive disorders. METHODS: Data from the four international information databases Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. The search strategy was based on the combination of the following terms: "microbiota," "microbiome," "microfilm," "microflora," "fertility," or "infertility." RESULT: The advent of next-generation sequencing-based technologies during the last decade has revealed the presence of microbial communities in nearly every part of the human body, including the reproductive system. Several studies have shown significant differences between the microbiota of the vagina and endometrium, as well as other parts of the upper genital tract. DISCUSSION: The human microbiome plays a critical role in determining a person's health state, and the microbiome of the genital tract may impact fertility potential before and after assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs). CONCLUSION: To completely understand the role of the microbiome, future research should focus not only on the description of microbiota but also on the interaction between bacteria, the production of biofilms, and the interaction of microorganisms with human cells.