Sperm microbiome

An innovative molecular test that provides crucial insights into male fertility and overall health.

Sperm microbiome analysis detects all microorganisms present in semen, including those that cannot be identified through conventional cultures.

What is the sperm microbiome?

The sperm microbiome is the collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa) that naturally exist in seminal fluid.

Every man has a unique “microbial profile,” which is normally balanced. When this balance is disrupted, it can negatively affect sperm quality and fertility, potentially causing inflammation or increased oxidative stress.

Why is sperm microbiome testing important?

Sperm microbiome analysis uses advanced molecular techniques (PCR, Next Generation Sequencing – NGS) to detect the DNA of all microorganisms in the sample.
It can reveal “silent” infections that are not detected by standard cultures and supports a personalized therapeutic approach.

An imbalanced microbiome may:

Increase oxidative stress, reducing sperm count, motility, or morphology
Cause DNA damage in sperm
Negatively impact the partner’s fertility through microbial exchange during sexual intercourse

How is the test performed?

The procedure is simple, safe, and completely painless. A semen sample is required after 2–5 days of sexual abstinence. For at least 10 days prior to the test, antibiotics or probiotics should be avoided.

Before collection, thorough cleaning of hands and the genital area is necessary to prevent contamination. The sample must be collected carefully, avoiding contact with the skin, and delivered to the laboratory within one hour of collection.

Who should consider sperm microbiome testing?

This test is recommended for men who:

Unexplained infertility
Have urinary or genital discomfort or inflammation (pain, swelling, discharge, irritation, painful urination)
Show abnormal findings in a semen analysis, such as the presence of white blood cells
Have a partner with recurrent miscarriages
Have had unsuccessful IVF attempts
Want a preventive assessment before assisted reproduction

Benefit of sperm microbiome testing

Sperm microbiome analysis provides significant advantages for both diagnosis and prevention of fertility issues, including:

Detection of pathogens not found in standard cultures
Identification of silent inflammation affecting fertility
Clear understanding of microbial balance
Guidance for personalized treatment
Improvement of sperm quality
Increased chances of successful conception, either naturally or via assisted reproduction