SPERMbiome is a screening test that provides complete information on the composition of the bacterial microflora of male semen. A balanced semen microbiome is an important factor in intimate health and male fertility.

The test is performed using the Next Generation Sequencing(NGS) technique. The technique is based on sequencing the V3 and V4 subunits of the bacterial 16s rRNA gene, which makes it possible to accurately identify bacteria to genus and species. Examination of the microbiome by the NGS technique, unlike traditional microbiological methods, makes it possible to know the full battery profile of semen, taking into account also non-culturable strains, and allows to determine the percentage of bacteria identified in the sample.

Semen microbiome testing is recommended especially for men who:

• are struggling with symptoms suggestive of a genitourinary tract infection, i.e. pain, itching and burning during urination, leakage of urethral discharge, testicular pain
• have been trying unsuccessfully with a partner for a child for a long time
• have reduced semen parameters

• SPERMbiome allows to assess the composition of the bacterial microflora of semen. When the result indicates dysbiosis or the presence of pathogens, the doctor can suggest appropriate treatment with antibiotics and/or probiotics.
• SPERMbiome identifies the presence of pathogenic bacteria responsible for bacteriospermia, which is often asymptomatic.
• SPERMbiome provides a complete picture of the semen’s bacteriological profile, making it possible to modify the microflora with diet, appropriate supplementation or antibiotic therapy. This, in turn, increases the chance of improving semen parameters.

Infertility affects about 10-15% of couples of reproductive age, with the male factor responsible for about 40% of all infertility cases [1]. “The gold standard” in the diagnosis of male infertility is the semen test, or seminogram. Semen quality can be reduced by a wide variety of factors, including lifestyle, endocrine, urological, infectious, neurological diseases, genetic disorders, past trauma, psychological problems, and sexual dysfunction. However, about 30%-70% of all cases of male infertility are idiopathic, that is, the cause cannot be determined. It is supposed that idiopathic infertility in men may be responsible, among other things, precisely for the abnormal profile of the microbiome.

According to various data, the incidence of asymptomatic bacteriospermia in infertile men can be between 15-70% [1]. The bacterial species most commonly isolated in semen are Enterobacteriaceae (including Escherichiacoli, Klebsiella spp, Enterococcus spp, Salmonella spp, Proteus spp and Pseudomonas spp), Streptococcus spp (S. agalactiae, S. anginosus, S. viridians), Staphylococcus spp(S. aureus, S. haemolyticus, S.epidermidis), sexually transmitted bacteria(Ureaplasma spp, Mycoplasma spp, Chlamydia spp), Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteroides spp, Morganella morganii, bacteria of the Lactobacillaceae family, and others.

It has been proven that disorders of the bacterial microflora in the genital tract of men can reduce semen quality, lead to inflammation, and eventually infertility. In addition, the sperm microbiota affects not only the health of the man, but also that of his partner and offspring. Evaluation of the microbiome is an important indicator of health and should be included in the diagnosis of infertility, and the possibility of modifying it – through diet, supplementation and the use of certain medications – provides a real opportunity to improve overall health and fertility.