Posted by: Atkalv

Dear doctor,

They have found the enterococcus faecalis bacteria in my husband’s ejaculate. He is currently taking antibiotics and I have read that the bacteria tend to persist making it difficult to get rid of it. Is it possible to undergo IVF procedure or insemination should the bacteria be present for a longer period of time? I am asking because the procedure has been postponed because of this. Thank you.

Answer by: Romana Dmitrović, MD, PhD

Dear Atkalv,

Before undergoing the IVF, couples need to be tested for hepatitis B and C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and some doctors still require syphilis testing to be done, according to the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology’s recommendations.

In addition, the man should test negative on Chlamydia infection during IVF procedure and a woman should test negative on bacterial vaginosis. Both of these are sexually transmitted diseases that are connected to spontaneous miscarriages and other pregnancy difficulties. Women are tested using cervical swabs and men undergo testing of the ejaculate for bacteria.

It is usual in Croatia to do the cervical swabs and testing of the ejaculate for aerobes (Enterococcus, Strep, Candida, etc.), Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma, even though none of these pathogens have been proven to lower the success rate in IVF, nor do they pose increased risk for pregnancy difficulties, pathology or unfavorable outcomes. Nevertheless, once the presence of any of these is confirmed it makes sense to take antibiotics before or during IVF. My opinion is that these infections are no reason to postpone the procedure since they are not STDs and present no risk for the IVF or the conditions in the laboratory.