Often a taboo topic, miscarriage is nevertheless an ordeal for many women and couples. Generally unexplained, miscarriages could however find their origin in an imbalance of the vaginal microbiota. What is a miscarriage? This is a natural termination of pregnancy during the first 5 months. The majority of them take place in the first quarter. A miscarriage can be detected by: vaginal blood loss (or metrorrhagia); cramps in the lower abdomen (corresponding to uterine contractions); disappearance of the signs of pregnancy. Many women experience a miscarriage in their lifetime. Indeed, 23 million miscarriages occur each year worldwide, representing 15% of all [...]

Gut microbiota may be involved in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome, according to a scientific study. What is polycystic ovary syndrome? Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disease affecting a large number of women. About 5-10% of women are affected. This condition is characterised by an excessive secretion of androgens (such as testosterone) in the ovaries, which disrupts egg production. Instead of being released during ovulation, the eggs turn into cysts that accumulate in the ovaries. Although very variable, the main clinical symptoms noted are menstrual cycle abnormalities (absence or irregularity, which can cause infertility), heavy hair growth, acne and [...]

It is a fact, pregnancy leads to major endocrine, metabolic and immunological changes. However, did you know that the bacteria you harbor will also be impacted, in intestine, vagina and placenta? Pregnancy impacts the intestinal microbiota… The intestinal microbiota changes throughout pregnancy: the bacterial diversity as well as the richness decrease between the 1st and the 3rd trimester. During the first trimester, the bacterial ecosystem is comparable to that of healthy non-pregnant women. A considerable change is observable from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, and even more important in the last trimester. These differences in composition include loss of bacterial diversity [...]

Becoming a mother is wonderful. The baby’s arrival brings a new dimension to life. Breastfeeding during the first six months of life is highly recommended by the WHO (World Health Organisation) in order to fill the energy and immune needs necessary for the development of child. However, some problems may arise during this period. One of them is mastitis. Indeed, mastitis is the main cause of early weaning. What is mastitis? Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast that can be accompanied by an infection. It is usually unilateral and occurs for 6 weeks after birth (although it can occur [...]