Investigating how the reproductive environment affects fertility in couples
Official title: The role of the female and male reproductive microenvironment in fertility fitness
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11083734 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how the bacteria and immune system in both partners might affect infertility and the success of IVF, with the hope of finding new ways to help couples achieve pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $598,274 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110367-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083734 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are couples experiencing infertility after one year of unprotected intercourse, particularly those considering or undergoing IVF.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing infertility or those who have not been trying to conceive for at least one year may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the factors that contribute to infertility in couples, particularly looking at the microbiome and immune interactions in both male and female partners. By analyzing samples from individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), the study aims to identify how these biological factors influence the success of embryo transfers. The goal is to uncover potential new therapeutic targets and predictive models that could improve clinical pregnancy rates. This research will involve a partnered cohort with well-defined infertility and pregnancy outcomes to provide comprehensive insights into the reproductive microenvironment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved fertility treatments and higher success rates for couples undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding the role of microbiomes in fertility, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farr Zuend, Christina — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Farr Zuend, Christina
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.