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Emi Test

What is the seminal microbiome and what role does it play in reproductive health?

The seminal microbiome is the community of microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi) that naturally inhabit semen and how they interact with each other and their environment. Like other microbiomes in the body, it is highly specific, and its composition directly influences both male reproductive health and partner fertility.

Relationship with male infertility

Seminal fluid infections caused by pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms are responsible for approximately 15% of cases of male infertility. These infections can affect the ability to conceive in several ways:

  • Cause tissue inflammation and obstruct genital ducts.
  • Negatively impacting the anatomy and physiology of sperm, reducing their viability and motility.
  • Induce oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation.
  • Transmit microorganisms to the partner during intercourse, altering their vaginal microbiota and interfering with embryo implantation


The Emi Test analyses the seminal microbiome to detect anomalies and alterations that may cause complications for couples trying to conceive.

Emi Test

Ejaculation

Microbiome

Infection

The Emi Test studies a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and fungi.

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  • Couples in which the infertility problem is due to the male factor.
  • Men who have been found to have an abnormal semen analysis (seminogram), especially with severe sperm morphology problems.
  • Couples with recurrent miscarriages of unknown cause and/or repeated implantation failures after applying assisted reproduction techniques.
  • Men who have been exposed (or believe they have been exposed) to the risk of contracting STDs.
  • Couples with dysbiosis or recurrent infections such as urinary tract infections, vaginosis/vaginitis, candidiasis, etc.
Characterizing the seminal microbiome can contribute to identifying therapeutic pathways to correct alterations in seminal parameters and improve fertility, helping to identify causes that were previously unknown.


Test procedure


DNA extraction

Processing of the semen sample to extract DNA from all microorganisms present in the seminal microbiome.


Multigene analysis

Analysis of hypervariable regions (16S, 18S, and ITS) for the precise identification of bacterial and fungal families and species.


Detection algorithm

Application of a high-sensitivity classifier algorithm to detect pathogens with greater accuracy than traditional methods.


Emi test brochure