The interventional value and research progress of vaginal microbiota transplantation in improving female sexual quality of life associated with dysbiosis of the reproductive microecosystem

Dysbiosis of the female genital tract microbiota represents a key pathological basis underlying clinical symptoms such as vaginal dryness and dyspareunia, which subsequently contribute to diminished sexual quality of life (QoL) in women. Although conventional antimicrobial therapies may provide short-term relief from infectious symptoms, they often fail to restore vaginal microbial homeostasis-thereby exhibiting inherent limitations, including high recurrence rates and increased risks of antimicrobial resistance. Vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT), an emerging ecological restoration strategy, aims to reconstitute the recipient's vaginal microbiota by transferring a complete, functionally intact microbial community from a rigorously screened healthy donor. This review systematically delineates the multidimensional mechanistic links between genital tract dysbiosis and impaired female sexual quality of life; elucidates the core clinical value of VMT; comprehensively summarizes recent advances in both preclinical research and clinical trials; and critically examines major challenges currently facing the field-including the lack of standardized donor screening criteria, variability in procedural protocols, insufficient long-term safety data, and evolving ethical and regulatory considerations. Furthermore, we propose forward-looking perspectives on future directions, such as the development of individualized, precision-based VMT approaches; the establishment of standardized, evidence-based technical frameworks; and the acceleration of clinical translation and implementation. This review is intended to provide a robust theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the scientifically sound promotion, standardized application, and further investigation of VMT-ultimately advancing women's reproductive health and holistic sexual well-being.

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Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Medicine
Published
2026-04-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2026.1812754
Primary Topic
Reproductive tract infections research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

The interventional value and research progress of vaginal microbiota transplantation in improving female sexual quality of life associated with dysbiosis of the reproductive microecosystem

Ruxue Zhou, Liehong Wang, Runzhi Shi, Yangyang Tan et al.
Frontiers in Medicine
Reproductive tract infections research
article

The interventional value and research progress of vaginal microbiota transplantation in improving female sexual quality of life associated with dysbiosis of the reproductive microecosystem

Ruxue Zhou, Liehong Wang, Runzhi Shi, Yangyang Tan, Xiangjie Zheng, Xi Ye
article en

Abstract

Dysbiosis of the female genital tract microbiota represents a key pathological basis underlying clinical symptoms such as vaginal dryness and dyspareunia, which subsequently contribute to diminished sexual quality of life (QoL) in women. Although conventional antimicrobial therapies may provide short-term relief from infectious symptoms, they often fail to restore vaginal microbial homeostasis-thereby exhibiting inherent limitations, including high recurrence rates and increased risks of antimicrobial resistance. Vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT), an emerging ecological restoration strategy, aims to reconstitute the recipient's vaginal microbiota by transferring a complete, functionally intact microbial community from a rigorously screened healthy donor. This review systematically delineates the multidimensional mechanistic links between genital tract dysbiosis and impaired female sexual quality of life; elucidates the core clinical value of VMT; comprehensively summarizes recent advances in both preclinical research and clinical trials; and critically examines major challenges currently facing the field-including the lack of standardized donor screening criteria, variability in procedural protocols, insufficient long-term safety data, and evolving ethical and regulatory considerations. Furthermore, we propose forward-looking perspectives on future directions, such as the development of individualized, precision-based VMT approaches; the establishment of standardized, evidence-based technical frameworks; and the acceleration of clinical translation and implementation. This review is intended to provide a robust theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the scientifically sound promotion, standardized application, and further investigation of VMT-ultimately advancing women's reproductive health and holistic sexual well-being.

Frontiers in MedicineVol. 13
Qinghai University (CN), Qinghai Red Cross Hospital (CN)
Gender equality
Openalex Percentile: Top 30%
Reproductive tract infections research
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