In recent years, science has recognised the microbiome as an important factor for health. Especially in connection with fertility, the microbiome is increasingly becoming the focus of research. But how exactly do the trillions of microorganisms influence our desire to have children?
A complex ecosystem
Our body is colonised by a variety of microorganisms that play a crucial role in our health. The gut microbiome is the best known, but the vaginal microbiome also has an important function. A healthy bacterial flora can prevent inflammation, regulate the immune system and even influence hormones.
The microbiome and female fertility
The vaginal microbiome in particular is closely linked to fertility. A healthy microbiome consists mainly of lactobacilli, which ensure an acidic environment and keep pathogenic germs in check. Studies show that dysbiosis - i.e. an incorrect colonisation of the vaginal flora - can be associated with increased miscarriage rates and problems with embryo implantation.
The intestinal microbiome also plays a role. Impaired intestinal flora can trigger inflammatory reactions in the body, which can have a negative impact on the menstrual cycle and egg maturation.
The microbiome and male fertility
The microbiome can also play a role in men. Studies show that an imbalance in the gut microbiome can be associated with oxidative stress and reduced sperm quality. Chronic inflammation triggered by a disturbed intestinal flora can influence testosterone production and thus disrupt the formation of sperm cells.
How can the microbiome be supported?
The good news is that the microbiome can be positively influenced by targeted measures. For example, a high-fibre and anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fermented foods promotes healthy intestinal flora. Special probiotics can also help to restore a healthy microbiome. Antibiotics should ideally be avoided, as they not only destroy pathogenic bacteria, but also beneficial bacteria. If it is necessary to take antibiotics, probiotic therapy should accompany them.
Conclusion
The microbiome plays a crucial role in fertility. Healthy bacterial flora can help to regulate hormone levels, reduce inflammation and support embryo implantation. If you want to support your desire to have children, you should therefore also pay attention to the health of your microbiome.
Many women have the same experience: once a month they need to grit their teeth to get through the day despite severe pain - after all, isn’t it the case that period pain is normal and is no reason to become worried?
However, in Endometriosis Awareness Month, we would like to make it clear that this conventional outlook can, sadly, have serious consequences for many women. This is because one in ten women suffers from endometriosis and this established attitude means that they only have the disorder diagnosed once it has become too late.
What is endometriosis?
Among the typical symptoms of endometriosis is intense pain during menstruation, and this is often accompanied by digestive problems and fatigue, so that the affected women either want to simply stay in bed or can only cope by taking painkillers. What happens in endometriosis is proliferation of the tissue of the uterine lining - the endometrium - outside the uterus. In extreme cases, this can result in infertility, as this proliferating tissue can destroy the ovaries and close the fallopian tubes.
You’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis: what happens now?
First of all, what I do is document the patient’s case history in detail so that I fully understand what has already happened. After an ultrasound examination, which may be necessary depending on the diagnosis, I would prescribe treatment with hormones to ensure that the patient is symptom-free in future. In any case, it is always advisable to consider the wish to have a child as soon as possible and to take precautionary measures as necessary.
If you’d like to know more about how endometriosis could impact on your desire to become pregnant and what solutions we can offer here in the Kinderwunsch Institut, simply book a preliminary appointment with us and we will explain everything in detail.
A healthy body and a relaxed mind are the best basis for a pregnancy. Who hasn't experienced it - tension hits the stomach or robs you of sleep. Without question, the psyche has a major influence on our physical well-being. Stress is the biggest enemy, especially when trying to conceive, and prevents us from getting pregnant in a relaxed manner. That is why we at the Kinderwunsch Institut focus on holistic care that supports body and mind in equal measure.
Osteopathy at the Kinderwunsch Institut
One tried and tested method is osteopathy:
“Osteopathy considers individuals in their totality because the body as whole functions as an interconnected unit. All its structures and tissues are coupled together mechanically and are linked with the nervous system and the bodily fluids. Any deviations from normal functionand mobility will thus impact on how the body works in general. It is the healthy interaction of the individual structures that enables the whole body to function properly.”
– Sandra Rosenberger, osteopath at Kinderwunsch Institut Schenk
What she does is promote natural healing processes using techniques designed to harmonise bodily functions. For those trying for a child, osteopathy can help, in particular, with the following problems:
Confidence in a happy future:
Dobl, 31.10.2024 - To mark the 25th anniversary, LR Dr Karlheinz Kornhäusl visited Prim. Priv.-Doz. Dr Michael Schenk and Claudia Schenk-Hauschka, the directors of the Kinderwunsch Institut. During a tour of the institute, they spoke about the developments and challenges in preventive healthcare.
As a training centre with its own in-house research centre and a 25-strong, highly qualified team, the Kinderwunsch Institut Schenk makes a valuable contribution to the promotion of reproductive health. The success figures speak for themselves: 21,000 treatment cycles, 6,000 happy children and numerous educational initiatives, especially for the younger generation.
LR Dr Karlheinz Kornhäusl and the fertility specialist Prim. Priv. Doz. Dr Michael Schenk agree: in turbulent times, it is important to work together to give people confidence and hope for a positive future. ‘We will continue to work on this for the next 25 years,’ says Prim. Priv. Doz. Dr Michael Schenk is certain.
(Picture from left to right) LR Dr Karlheinz Kornhäusl, Claudia Schenk-Hauschka, Prim. Priv.-Doz. Dr Michael Schenk. Picture © Madison
It was our own unfulfilled desire for a child which inspired my wife and I 25 years ago to establish the Kinderwunsch Institut. As we did not feel well looked after by the treating physicians at that time, we set great store from the outset in creating a welcoming atmosphere for our patients in order to ease the pressure and anxiety they felt.
25 years of service
We took the first step with the establishment of our first surgery - in our own home - back in 1999. Our practice soon outgrew the premises and after several adaptations the Institut building was constructed in 2005. Ten years later we established our own research centre, and we became the first certified egg cell bank. Today we can look back with great pride on a story that offers our patients the best possible therapeutic methods - and we would like to celebrate this.
For 25 days – a 25% discount
In 1999 we dreamt of increasing the family joy of others. 25 years later – thanks to ongoing advancement in the areas of research and technology – we have helped welcome over 5,000 much yearned for babies into the world.
To celebrate this occasion, we are offering you a 25% discount on all initial consultations booked in the next 25 days, between 12 September 2024 and 6 October 2024.
We look forward to the years ahead and many more much yearned for babies!
As a certified egg & sperm bank, we are seeing that sperm donation, egg freezing and egg sharing are becoming increasingly important. Many donors are patients who learn about the options as part of their own treatment and use the opportunity to fulfil other families' dream of having a child. This is because they know that egg or sperm donation is the only option for some couples.
Many questions about donating
Our team uses state-of-the-art procedures such as vitrification or the Cryotop® method, which maximises the survival rate of the cells. As we achieve success rates of over 90% at the Kinderwunsch Institut, we have already been honoured with the Best Practice in Vitrification Award this year and are delighted to be able to offer you the best methods of modern reproductive medicine.
In Austria, egg and sperm donation has been permitted since the amendment to the Reproductive Medicine Act in 2015. Since then, we have been offering eggs and sperm from carefully selected and specially qualified donors at the Kinderwunsch Institut. You can find initial information on this here on our website:
Egg freezing: Prim. Priv. Doz. Dr Michael Schenk explains
Egg freezing is a term that is mainly known from American television. There it seems as if women can have their eggs frozen for career reasons in order to become pregnant at a later date. In Austria, however, egg freezing is only permitted if there are medical reasons that affect fertility, such as chemotherapy. For women who want to concentrate on their career first, but still know that they would like to have children one day, the fertility expert, Prim. Priv. Doz. Dr Michael Schenk, recommends a fertility check-up. Because ‘speed is the name of the game’ and early certainty about hormone status, egg reserve or sperm quality brings significant advantages.
In a personal consultation at our Kinderwunsch Institut - in a safe and discreet environment - we will be happy to take the time to answer all your questions as a donor - without obligation and free of charge.
Cryotransfer is an established method of fertility treatment that offers a higher chance of success. Embryos are frozen at extremely low temperatures - i.e. cryopreserved - without impairing their quality, as the metabolism of the cells is almost completely halted. After careful thawing, the embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus using a thin catheter and have the best chance of growing into healthy babies.
Our team uses state-of-the-art procedures such as vitrification or the Cryotop® method, which maximises the survival rate of the cells. As we achieve success rates of over 90% at the Kinderwunsch Institut, we have already been honoured with the Best Practice in Vitrification Award this year and are delighted to be able to offer you the best methods of modern reproductive medicine.
You can now find out when a cryotransfer is an option on our website under treatment methods.
The microbiome is the totality of microorganisms in and on our bodies. It is omnipresent and actually plays an essential role in numerous areas of life such as nutrition, health, hygiene and personal care.
Did you know that the microbiome even helps to identify people in forensics and criminal research, as it is as unique as a fingerprint or DNA?
The microbiome is also of great importance in reproductive medicine. The vaginal microbiome plays a decisive role in the desire to have children and fertility. For example, the ALICE-TEST - ‘Analysis of Infectious Chronic Endometritis’ - aims to identify bacteria that cause chronic inflammation of the uterine lining and are associated with infertility or gynaecological complications.
Bad bacteria - yes, there are also many good bacteria - can have a negative impact on the microbiome. At the Kinderwunsch Institut, we examine the various functions of your body as part of the reproductive medical examinations and get to the bottom of the causes of your unfulfilled desire to have children.