The use of a probiotic to treat bacterial vaginosis and augment IVF pregnancy rates.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is very common clinical condition with prevalence rates between 10 and 30 % of women in the reproductive age group. While in some cases BV is asymptomatic, in many women BV produces annoying symptoms (vaginal discharge, offensive smell). BV may also interfer with successful implantation of an embryo during IVF treatment, as these bacteria may be introduced from the vagina into the uterus at the time of the embryo transfer, causing inflammation of the uterine lining (endometrium). BV has been linked with a reduction in implantation rates in IVF and an increase risk of miscarriage. Therefore effective long term treatment/ prevention of BV in an IVF setting is important. The aim of this study is to determine if the oral administration of a probiotic can result in vaginal colonization and a subsequent reduction in reoccurance of BV infection after antibiotic (tinidazole) treatment.