Ecology

Reproductive medicine

Biology

Human reproduction

Endocrinology

Female Reproductive Tract

Environmental health

Uterus

Reproductive success

Physiology

Genetics

Microbiome

Reproductive tract

Bioinformatics

Human microbiome

Reproduction

Assisted reproductive technology

Infertility

Population

Reproductive health

Medicine

Zoology

Pregnancy

Reproductive Medicine and Biology

Background The female reproductive tract contains an active microbiome comprising mainly bacteria from the Lactobacillus genus, which is associated with a healthy microbiome state. However, spatio‐temporal fluctuations of this microbiome that occur in response to internal and external factors may impact the physiology of the reproductive tract organs and even lead to pathological states. Methods Current literature covering the reproductive tract microbiome is summarized and contextualized in this review. Main findings This review presents the current knowledge about the bacterial composition of the lower and upper reproductive tract as well as the impact of the microbiota on women's health and reproduction. We place special focus on the impact of the endometrial microbiome in infertility and assisted reproductive technologies. Conclusion The assessment of the reproductive tract microbiome adds a new microbiological perspective to human reproduction, pregnancy, and onset of new life, highlighting the importance of considering the evaluation of microbial communities to improve personalized care in reproductive medicine and women's health.

Deciphering the effect of reproductive tract microbiota on human reproduction