Dr. Patti YikNaturopathic Doctor | Fertility Expert

Dr. Patti Yik, ND - Your Uterine Microbiome: The Missing Link to Fertility?

Name: Dr. Patti Yik, ND - Your Uterine Microbiome: The Missing Link to Fertility?
Uploaded: 2026-04-17T13:00:38+00:00
Duration: 2 min 32 s
Channel: Dr. Patti Yik
Description: In this educational monologue, Dr. Patti Yik introduces the concept of the uterine (endometrial) microbiome as a critical, often overlooked factor in…

17 Apr 2026 · 3 min

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2:32

In this educational monologue, Dr. Patti Yik introduces the concept of the uterine (endometrial) microbiome as a critical, often overlooked factor in fertility. She explains that the long‑standing belief that the uterus is sterile has been disproven; the endometrial lining hosts its own microbial ecosystem, typically dominated by Lactobacillus species that foster a calm, non‑inflammatory environment conducive to embryo implantation. Dysbiosis—an imbalance of these microbes—can trigger elevated inflammation, immune overactivation, and chronic low‑grade infections such as endometriosis, all of which impede implantation even for high‑quality embryos. Dr. Yik outlines modern diagnostic options, including the Endometrial Microbiome Panel and CD138 staining, which assess the uterine “soil” before embryo transfer. She emphasizes that the microbiome is modifiable, recommending targeted antimicrobials, natural anti‑inflammatories, probiotics, and supportive nutrition and hormonal cues to restore balance. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers experiencing unexplained pregnancy losses or failed embryo transfers to explore uterine microbiome health via her website or a personal consultation.

Chapters

If you've been trying to conceive and keep hearing that everything looks normal, but things just aren't working, I want to introduce you to a concept that's often overlooked: your uterine microbiome. For years, we believed that the uterus was sterile. We— but we now know that the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus, has its own microbial ecosystem. And just like your gut or your skin, the balance of good versus bad bacteria here plays a major role in your reproductive health. In an optimal state, the uterine lining is dominated by friendly bacteria, mainly Lactobacillus species. These promote a calm, non-inflammatory environment and support the critical window of implantation. But when there's dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, we often see the opposite: elevated inflammation, immune overactivation, and sometimes even chronic low-grade infections like chronic endometriosis. These all make it harder for an embryo to successfully implant, even if it's a genetically normal, high-quality embryo. We can now test for this. Advanced tools like the Endometrial Microbiome Panel or CD138 staining can reveal if your soil of your uterus is ready to receive an embryo or not. The good news is that this is modifiable. We can use targeted antimicrobials, natural anti-inflammatories, and probiotics to gently restore balance. And we support the endometrial lining with the nutrients and hormone cues it needs to thrive. If you experienced unexplained losses or failed embryo transfers, Even after doing everything right, it's time to look beyond the embryo and into the environment you're trying to grow it in. To learn more, visit my blog at DrPattiYik.com or book a consultation. You deserve answers and a better path forward.