WTF IS THE REPRODUCTIVE MICROBIOME?!
The microbiome, or "flora", has been gaining in scientific importance in reproduction for years, as it is clear that a disruption of this sensitive ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and other substances leads to serious reproductive consequences.
Unfortunately, there are still persistent myths surrounding lactic acid, yoghurt tampons and other "home remedies" - although these do not correspond to scientific findings at all and in most cases are merely marketing.
With happy, we develop scientifically based, validated & study-backed products for a new kind of reproductive health.
The microbiome as a root-cause for reproductive complaints:
🤰 Infertility & Pregnancy Loss
An imbalanced reproductive microbiome with reduced diversity of species is associated with infertility, pregnancy complications, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reduced libido. Studies e.g. show that a vaginal dysbiosis can lead to 40% lower fertility success rates compared with a stable vaginal microbiome and can also influence sperm survival and motility. It is also assumed that premature births are linked to a disturbed vaginal microbiome.
🍑 Vaginal Discomfort & Disease
Over 90% of all cases of vaginal discomfort can be attributed to imbalances in the vaginal microbiome, which can manifest in various disease like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), cytolytic vaginosis (CV), aerobic vaginitis (AV), recurrent UTIs and more. A real hurdle for every reproductive attempt.
🚿 Intimate Hygiene & Wellbeing
Unusual vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, burning, stinging or itching can be indications of a disturbed microbiome. A stable microbiome is therefore a main driver for intimate & tissue health as an important immune factor in the defense against pathogens. Oral administration of our bacterial strains for 10 days therefor resulted in a statistically meaningful reduction of the pathogenic microorganisms.
😫 Menopause & Genitourinary Syndrome
Increased vaginal pH caused by reduced estrogen alters the vaginal microbiome, resulting in reduced levels of Lactobacillus. Such changes influence the vaginal structure and functions, contributing to the onset of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Disruptions in the reproductive microbiome can trigger inflammation, which, in turn, may lead to leading vaginal menopause-symptoms.
Did you know?
Up to 88% of ones egg reserve may be gone by the age of 30.
At birth, every woman is equipped with all her eggs for life (ovarian reserve). With increasing age, the reserves become smaller and smaller.
On average, only one egg cell per cycle manages to implant in the uterus - the tissue conditions must be optimal to pave the way for sperm to reach the egg cells and for the egg cell to implant healthily.
Impaired tissues & membranes are a massive obstacle, but affect many women without even noticing it.
Why we chose immunology
Healthy Tissues are the basis for reproductive health outcomes.
Studies clearly indicate that impaired vaginal and endometrial mucous membranes caused by immunological reactions (e.g. infections or inflammation) severely restrict fertility.
These immunological reactions (like BV or Endometritis) can be found in up to 70% of women experiencing infertility - it is a problem that is no exception.
These elevated levels of inflammation and oxidative stress due to altered microbiota can negatively affect sperm and egg quality, reducing fertilization and your conception rate.
Studies show that pregnancy rates can be increased 6x with a healthy microbiome.
A unique mechanism
showing how your own body can attack the reproductive capacity when the mucous membranes are pro-inflammatory
The happy Platform
Sourcing
Reproductive microbiota biobank access to +50 clinics and 1,000+ strains catalogue.
Sequencing
Use of in-house transcriptomics and novel sequencing technologies to identify & test single strains & consortia.
Isolation
Isolation of individual bacteria strains and metabolic factors on selective growth media.
Validation
By microbiologic In vitro & In vivo models and immunological testing, using on-a-chip organs.
