Can Bacteria in the Uterus Affect Fertility?

BySamradni Pradhan
Updated: 9 Sept 2025, 3:30 pm

Your uterus’s health is crucial for conception and pregnancy to reach full term. It is also home to several bacteria that can affect your fertility. While some are helpful, others may cause infections, leading to inflammation and complications. This blog explains how the bacteria inside your uterus affect your chances of conceiving and the signs to watch out for infections. Learning this will help you to take preventive measures to protect your reproductive health.

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When you are struggling to conceive despite doing everything right, it can lead to unnecessary stress. You may be eating well, tracking your cycle for ovulation, and preparing your body in every aspect for pregnancy, but it is still taking longer than expected. If this sounds familiar, then you should dig deep for the reason. The bacteria inside your uterus may be avoiding conception and thus delaying pregnancy.
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It may sound a bit odd, but your uterus indeed has a community of bacteria. They play a crucial role in deciding your uterine health and supporting pregnancy.

The Uterus and Its Microbiome

The collection of bacteria inside your body is referred to as the microbiome, and your uterus is no different. Your gut bacteria help in digestion, which is common knowledge. Similarly, your uterus also houses several bacteria in smaller quantities.
Generally, a healthy uterus has more good bacteria (like Lactobacillus). They are necessary to maintain the pH balance and protect your vital organs from the bad bacteria. However, the bad bacteria may grow more in some cases and cause infections or inflammation.

How Harmful Bacteria Affect Fertility

Not all bacteria are dangerous, but when the balance tilts in favour of harmful microbes, it may cause several issues.

1. Inflammation of the Uterus (Endometritis)

When harmful bacteria reach the uterus, they may cause endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining). This makes it difficult for a fertilised egg to attach and grow, lowering your chances of pregnancy.

2. Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea are vaginal infections that can spread to your uterus and fallopian tubes in severe cases. They cause scarring of tissues when they are ignored, and also prevent fertilisation.

3. Embryo Implantation Problems

Your uterine environment may be affected by the bad bacteria, making it unfavourable for an embryo to implant. When the embryo does not implant, it may lead to early pregnancy loss.

4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

The risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is higher when the infection spreads from your uterus to other organs around it. This disease is one of the most common causes of infertility in women if it is ignored.

Signs That Bacteria May Be Affecting Your Fertility

Sometimes, uterine infections do not cause obvious symptoms, but you may notice the following changes.
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge (unusual colour or smell)
  • Pelvic pain or discomfort
  • Irregular or painful periods
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Low-grade fever (in some cases)
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or have been trying to conceive for a while without success, then it is worth checking your uterus for infections.

Testing for Harmful Bacteria in the Uterus

Your doctor may suggest the following test if they suspect bacteria are interfering with your fertility.
  • Swab tests to check for vaginal and cervical infections
  • Endometrial biopsy to study bacteria in the uterine lining
  • Ultrasound or hysteroscopy is performed in case of suspected inflammation
  • Blood tests to look for signs of infection or inflammation
These tests help identify whether harmful bacteria are present and if they are affecting your chances of pregnancy.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, you can get treatment for the infections caused by harmful bacteria in your uterus.

1. Antibiotics

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear out harmful bacteria. If there is a case of sexually transmitted infection, treatment for both partners becomes necessary.

2. Probiotics

These are recommended to restore a healthy balance of bacteria because they promote the growth of good bacteria, which are essential for protecting your uterus.

3. Lifestyle Support

A healthy diet, good hygiene, and safe sexual practices limit the growth of harmful bacteria and prevent them from taking over the good ones.

4. Fertility Treatments

Your doctor may suggest assisted reproductive techniques like IVF (in vitro fertilisation) in cases where infections have caused damage to your tubes, to improve your chances of pregnancy.

Can Good Bacteria Improve Fertility?

Good bacteria like Lactobacillus may help in keeping the uterus healthy.
  • They maintain the right pH level.
  • They produce protective substances to kill harmful microbes.
  • They create a healthy environment for embryo implantation.

Protecting Your Fertility from Harmful Bacteria

The following steps can help you reduce the risk of harmful bacteria.
  • Practice safe sex (use protection to avoid sexually transmitted infections).
  • Get regular check-ups from your gynaecologist, especially if you are planning a pregnancy.
  • Maintain the natural balance of bacteria by following good hygiene practices.
  • Include whole foods in your diet and eliminate processed foods to support your immune system.
  • Do not ignore symptoms, such as unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or irregular bleeding.
Bacteria can lead to fertility problems due to several issues in your uterus caused by them. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent the harmful ones from overgrowing and maintain a healthy balance.

You can get treatment for this condition, so always seek medical advice and care. Consult your doctor after the first signs of infection appear to get treatment on time and avoid the risk of complications.

Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.

FAQs on Can Bacteria in the Uterus Affect Fertility?

  1. Can bacterial infections in the uterus go away on their own?
    Minor infections can improve on their own, but do not wait for them to become severe and seek treatment on time. You may have to face fertility issues when you ignore the infection for a long time.
  2. Can bacteria cause miscarriages?
    Harmful bacteria may cause inflammation in your uterus, which does not allow implantation to happen, increasing the chances of pregnancy loss.
  3. How can I keep my uterus healthy for pregnancy?
    To keep your uterus healthy, get regular check-ups, practice safe sex methods, eat whole foods from natural sources, and avoid using harsh products to clean your vagina.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Jayshree Pathak, Senior Fertility and IVF Consultant at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Patparganj, East Delhi

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